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Lake Country Asked To Allow Horses On Ra

Lake Country Asked To Allow Horses On Rail Trail

Sep 5, 2018 | 11:38 AM

Lake Country Mayor James Baker isn’t ruling allowing horses on part of the District’s section of the Okanagan Rail Trail.

Horses aren’t allowed on the Kelowna or North Okanagan sections.

A non-profit group, Old Friends Canada Society, presented council with a more than 1000 name petition Tuesday night asking for approval.

“They felt that really hadn’t had a hearing before the communities came out with a ban on horses on the trail.”

Baker says council is willing to discuss the matter with the other jurisdictions and get more details from equestrian groups.

“It’ll be some time before we get all of that in place and we’ll hear from the horse [people in greater detail.”

The Society asked for a six month trial period followed by an evaluation that would see what needed to be done to allow permanent riding along the trail.

Its presentation included economic and social benefits of allowing equestrian use, including tourism promotion.

It also expressed a willingness to apply to the federal government  for two positions for a Rail Trail Monitor for student summer jobs.