Part of the reason that the Okanagan Rail Trail is so popular is that it runs alongside two emerald green lakes, Kalamalka and Wood Lake. These beautiful neighbours to the trails also cause erosion that eats into the width of the rail trail. Every wave that touches the side of the path takes sand and materials with it, and over time, the pathway becomes narrower, and sloughs occur. Erosion is an ongoing threat to the longevity of the Okanagan Rail Trail, and the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) is planning to begin a Fall 2020 erosion mitigation project in mid-September, contingent on the receipt of the permits.
This work will require temporary closures to sections of the trail between 4km – 12.5km. Specific dates, times, and sections to be affected will be communicated in the coming weeks as details are finalized and permits are received.
“We would like to remind trail users that the Kal/Crystal Waters Trail is available as an alternate route connecting Coldstream to Lake Country during this period of construction,” said Mike Fox, General Manager of Community Services, RDNO.
This work is a part of the RDNO’s long-term planning and maintenance to ensure the trail remains safe and enjoyable for years to come.
Updates will be posted at www.rdno.ca/ortwork