What is currently happening on the Rail Trail?
Significant progress has been made in securing the land, designing the rail trail, and establishing the development plan. It is very technical work and extensive consultation has already been completed regarding laying down the trail surface, keeping erosion at bay, channeling flood water, taking care of the environment, addressing safety at road crossings, rock-scaling cliffs, creating parking areas, and designing signage.
As we secure sufficient blocks of funding, we then work with the Rail Trail inter-jurisdictional partners to apply for provincial and federal grants and start building the trail. One metre of hard-packed aggregate trail surface costs about $160, and with 50,000 metres to go, our fundraising goal is $8,000,000.
The fundraising campaign is concentrating on the rail trail surface estimated to cost $160 per meter. As funds are raised to surface the trail, they will help leverage government funding to address all the other layers.
Download the latest information bulletin (September 2024)
What will the surface of the trail be?
The finished surface will consist of crushed and compacted aggregate, suitable for pedestrian and off-road bicycle use, as well as universal mobility access.
Dogs on leash are welcome.
No motorized vehicles or equestrian use. Pedal assist e-bikes will be allowed.
What is the overall concept for the Rail Trail?
The Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail links communities from Sicamous to Armstrong and provides an opportunity to unfold the true story within the Secwepemc Nation territory focusing on sharing culture, values, and relationships. The Splatsin are a leading partner in the Rail Trail initiative, bringing both local government and first nations together to work collaboratively towards a common goal of uniting communities and connecting with the land.
The Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail Development Plan has been prepared and can be viewed here.
The Public Information Display Boards are currently being updated.
What is the Agricultural Land Commission consultation process?
The ownership partners have received the formal decision from the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) allowing a change of use for the former CP Rail Corridor to public greenway trail. More details are available here.
A copy of the ALC Decision can be viewed on the ACL Application Portal website (application 60525)
The background presentation on the ALC process for the rail trail is available here.
What’s next?
Splatsin, RDNO, CSRD, and City of Enderby have agreed to develop a pilot section of trail to proof construction methods and costing, and engage public interest to promote fundraising. Everything is in place and shelf-ready to tender detail design & construction as capital funding allows. Four grant applications were submitted in early 2021 and we await notification.
Operations and planning staff in each of the jurisdictions are working with the rail trail technical team to plan for trail amenities and signage, as well as developing standards for vegetation restoration and landscaping. This includes addressing invasive plants and other vegetation. We want to remind property owners and the public that there should be no alterations whatsoever to plants and vegetation along the corridor without authorization from the owners.
For the public’s safety, the trail remains closed to all traffic, both motorized and non-motorized. Trespassers may be subject to enforcement fines and other penalties. Please contact Community Services at RDNO [email protected] or phone 250-550-3700.