We get asked most often, “when will the whole trail be opened?”
We were delighted to see that an MOU has been signed, it is a significant step forward towards opening the closed section of the trail.
This ‘historic’ agreement allows us to complete Okanagan Rail Trail and improve the infrastructure. The deal between the three governments will be signed in the near future.
The Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB), the City of Kelowna and the District of Lake Country agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to improve and complete infrastructures like the Okanagan Rail Trail as well as important health and safety measures.
The OKIB has agreed to create road access on the east side of Duck Lake, the opportunity for water and sewer services to existing residents and future projects and an addition to the Okanagan Rail Trail.
The City of Kelowna will complete the Okanagan Rail Trail, obtain full access to the industrial lands from Commonwealth Road, protect the city’s main sewer line within the trail rail and take care of the water supply from Lake Country for the neighbourhood.
The District of Lake Country has the longest list to accomplish. They have to address capacity issues on Beaver Lake Road. To do that, it will open Commonwealth Road as an arterial road to Jim Bailey Road from Highway 97. It is also will add a right-of-way road north of Beaver Lake Road to the Clearwater/Copperhill subdivision.
The transfer to reserve process must still take place. Please be aware that once all the many remaining steps have been taken, the trail will still need to be constructed so a timeframe for a full opening of the trail is still unknown.
Once the government of Canada provides the lands to Reserve, the OKIB will provide access to the Okanagan Rail Trail. The three governments will get together soon to finalize the agreements and have a ceremonial signing.
Read the full article here.