During the years of the Covid pandemic, our communities learned how much our trails and nature meant to their well-being. Trail supporters gave back by donating to the ‘Sunflower Campaign’ to raise funds for the first trail gateway at Km 0. This campaign, together with grants and funding from the Regional District of North Okanagan will fund site development in spring/summer 2022.
Trail gateways set the stage for the trail experience. With a spacious plaza, shade structures and seating, interpretive signs, and an entrance kiosk, the Km 0 gateway will be a showpiece public space befitting this beautiful section of the trail. The area of ‘k’ək’maplqs‘, or ‘Little Head of the Lake’ is significant to the sqilxʷ/syilx, and the Okanagan Indian Band is an important partner in planning for the site and the stories to be shared.