A long-barricaded section of the popular Okanagan Rail Trail will soon be effectively opened for hikers and cyclists.
But new signage will warn people they are using the two kilometres of the abandoned railway corridor that runs through the Okanagan Indian Band reserve at their own risk. The trail will be only minimally improved from its current rough state.
Nevertheless, the unofficial opening of the long blocked-off trail is a significant step in the evolution of the scenic 50-km long recreation path stretching from Vernon to the shore of Okanagan Lake in downtown Kelowna.
“The Okanagan Rail trail is one of the most valued amenities in our region, connecting communities and offering a unique way to experience the Okanagan,” says Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas.
Work began this week on a $1.35 million, three kilometre extension of the trail’s current dead-ends near the Kelowna airport and the town of Lake Country. The work is expected to be complete by the summer.
The blocked-off OKIB section has been tied up in a prolonged federal process to transfer ownership of the railway corridor from CN to the band.
Federal and band officials have pointed fingers at each other over the delays.
Now, an agreement will allow for public passage through the OKIB section. Crews will complete minor surface work, safety upgrades, and fire mitigation.
CN, which still owns the land, has not opposed the work. Warning signs will be installed at both ends of the largely unimproved section advising people they use the section at their own risk.
The corridor through the OKIB has long been fenced off with concrete barriers, though many users bypass them. To not do so would require a long return trip and detour onto busy Highway 97.
Barriers will be removed next week for construction and will not be replaced once work is complete, according to Bonnie Sullivan, a City of Kelowna spokeswoman.