Community Resilience Fuels Growth in Yoho’s Field, Canada

The small community of Field, located within Yoho National Park in Canada, is thriving thanks to the dedication of local volunteers and support from the Columbia Basin Trust. The Field Recreation Advisory Association (FRAA), an all-volunteer organization led by Katrina Froese, has been instrumental in fostering connection and enhancing recreational opportunities for the approximately 150 year-round residents.

Community Initiatives Drive Engagement

Field is unique in its reliance on volunteer efforts to maintain its social fabric. As Froese explains, “Field is so extraordinarily beautiful—you never get over it. Even with its challenges, I feel lucky to live here.” The FRAA operates essential community facilities, including a community centre, a seasonal rink, and a gymnasium located in the former Field Elementary School, which is now a Parks Canada administrative building.

Operating on federal land adds complexity to community projects, as Froese notes: “Every project means layers of red tape. Even building a simple playground can take years of coordination.” Despite these hurdles, the FRAA has successfully revitalized the community gym, introducing new equipment such as a treadmill, weights, and a rowing machine. This transformation has provided residents with more opportunities to engage in physical activity without leaving their community.

Since its formation in 1985, the FRAA has been at the heart of local life in Field. The community centre hosts various events, a children’s playroom, and weekly playgroups, while the multi-use court serves as a skating rink during the winter months. These shared spaces are crucial for residents, especially during the long winters when outdoor activities can be limited.

Enhancing Indoor Recreation Options

The need for more indoor options became evident as residents expressed a desire for activities beyond the outdoors. “We have a mix of retired people and young families,” Froese says. “Some don’t drive, and winter roads can be tough. Seasonal workers who come for Parks Canada or hospitality and tourism-related jobs can’t always get to Golden.” This prompted the FRAA to expand the gym offerings to better serve the community.

In collaboration with the Trust, the FRAA has added educational and sensory-friendly toys to the Kids Room at the Field Community Centre, making it a more inclusive environment for families. The gym has evolved significantly, transitioning from a few weights and a ping-pong table to a fully equipped facility that attracts new members. Membership numbers have surged from 10 to between 30 and 40 year-round, and can reach up to 60 in summer when seasonal staff are present.

The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Froese shares, “The equipment came in this spring, and the response was incredible. Field has so little for residents, and this adds so much back into our community.”

The Trust has also funded a snowblade for maintaining the community rink, ensuring clear conditions for weekend games and annual tournaments. “Each improvement means a lot,” Froese emphasizes. “It can be difficult living here with so few services, so being able to create shared spaces for health and connection is such a gift.”

The partnership between the FRAA and the Trust began when a Trust staff member visited Field after hearing about its annual “Yoho Blow” event. Recognizing the community’s needs, the Trust has since worked closely with local leaders to support projects that enhance well-being.

As the FRAA looks to the future, it aims to renovate the historic St. Joseph Church as a community space for arts, culture, and gatherings. Froese believes these efforts extend beyond the facilities themselves. “Community spaces like our centre, rink, and gym mean everything to Field,” she states. “We rely on ourselves to get things done. By understanding what we need and what we are striving to achieve, the Trust has been tremendous for us.”

The ongoing collaboration between the FRAA and the Columbia Basin Trust illustrates the power of community resilience and the importance of shared spaces in fostering connection and well-being in rural areas.