Media Release: July 29th, 2021
The Shuswap – North Okanagan, Splatsin
A $459,061 grant towards the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail will support construction of a pilot section of the rail trail connecting Enderby and Splatsin.
Splatsin, Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), and Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) ownership partners were awarded COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream funds by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
“Today’s announcement of over $20.8 million from the federal government to upgrade key local infrastructure in municipalities and Indigenous communities across the Okanagan-Kootenay Region will help support local economies at a time when it is needed most. Among other benefits, these projects will upgrade community buildings as well as create cycling and multi-purpose pathways, which will enhance community connections and offer residents and visitors more options to commute and stay active.” The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.
The Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail previously announced funding of $250,000 had been secured from the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association in partnership with the Provincial Ministry of Tourism bringing the total funding for the construction of the pilot section to $709,061.
Working collectively with the rail trail technical team, operations, and planning staff each of the jurisdictions are developing standards for the pilot project. This includes vegetation restoration and landscaping, trail amenities and signage, as well as addressing invasive plants.
“This provincial and federal funding announcement validates the hard work of the rail trail partners, the volunteer efforts of our community capital fundraising committee, and the generous contributions from our donors. The momentum is building, and we invite everyone to help us unfold this new story within unceded traditional territory of Secwepemc’ulucw.” Alex de Chantal, Fundraising Strategy Coordinator.
The Community Capital Fundraising Campaign encourages corporate and community donors to support the rail trail project by making donations, as many grants require a matching financial commitment to qualify. All contributions are tax deductible, and every dollar donated gets leveraged for grants and turns into more trail on the ground.
For more information or to donate, visit www.ShuswapNorthOkanaganRailTrail.ca/donate
Media Contact:
Alex de Chantal
Fundraising Strategy Coordinator
250-682-9363
