Traffic control measures for rail trail

Jun 20, 2019 | 4:48 PM

Vehicle traffic at the Coldstream end of the Okanagan Rail Trail has prompted local government to issue a plea.

Both Coldstream and the North Okanagan Regional District are asking commercial vehicles and tour buses to plan their drop-offs and pick-ups away from the Kickwillie Loop area.

Over 117,000 people, both cyclists and pedestrians, have already accessed the northern section of the trail this year, and the numbers are expected to grow over the summer.

“We are thrilled to see that the trail is so popular that new business opportunities have been created, said Coldstream CAO Trevor Seibel. “However, the Kickwillie Loop area is not suited to accommodate the unloading of buses or other commercial vehicles.”

Seibel asked commercial vehicles to drop people off at the Coldstream parking lot which is located between Dutch’s Campground and the Alpine Centre on Kalamalka Road.

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“Once dropped off, it’s an easy, two-minute bike ride or a five-minute walk to get to the trail,” said Seibel.

Another option for commercial vehicles is at the Kekuli Bay Provincial Park just off of Highway 97.

“The Kekuli Bay Provincial Park has the infrastructure and parking lot design made for dropping off large groups of people,” said Mike Fox, the RDNO’s general manager of community services. “And, the rail trail meets the parking lot at a nice, easy grade making it accessible for all abilities.”

Other points of access include the new Kal Crystal Waters trail. While not directly on the ORT, the Kal Crystal Waters trail offers options to connect to the ORT with a more challenging ride or walk.

by Kate Bouey

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