With a plaza, hilltop viewpoint, interpretive structures, public art, and site furnishings, Kilometre Zero will be a showpiece public space befitting this beautiful section of the trail. Site development will be guided by the Kilometre Zero Concept Plan.
Trail gateways set the stage for the trail experience.
As the first gateway development along the Okanagan Rail Trail, ‘lessons learned’ will benefit other parts of the Okanagan Rail Trail, other trails and natural spaces in RDNO, and local residents who might like to try naturescaping in their own yards.
Thanks to generous donors and grant agencies, the first phase towards a signature gateway is now complete at Kilometre Zero.
The initial priority has been to protect waterways and create a space for nature to thrive in the trailside environment. Over time, majestic ponderosa pine and fir trees, and a suite of native shrubs and plants (including the beautiful Arrowleaf Balsamroot) will welcome visitors to the start of the Kalamalka section of the rail trail.
Okanagan sunflowers/Arrowleaf Balsamroot, or smúkʷaʔxn is one of the culturally important plants now growing at the Kilometre Zero gateway. Future work will describe the importance of these native plants, and what we can learn from the original stewards, the Syilx (Okanagan) Peoples.
With site preparation and native plant landscaping now complete, donated funds will go towards completion of the site infrastructure and creative elements.
“The trail sure kept me sane and fit during the pandemic. Thank you to everyone involved.”
Denise S.
See who were actively involved in developing, funding and managing the Okanagan Rail Trail