Rail trail users to face ‘inconveniences’

Okanagan Rail Trail users will have to put up with some inconveniences in September to allow work to prevent erosion on the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) section from Coldstream to Kekuli Bay.

RDNO says it will mean some days with one-way pedestrian and biking traffic, and no access temporarily to certain portions for up to 10 hours at a time.

The trail will remain open and accessible on evenings by 5 p.m. , on weekends, and for pre-approved special events.

“Part of the reason that the Okanagan Rail Trail is so popular is because it runs alongside two emerald green lakes, Kalamalka and Wood Lake. These beautiful neighbours to the trails also cause erosion that eat into the width of the rail trail. Every wave that touches the side of the path takes sand and materials with it, and over time, the pathway becomes narrower. With less room for two-way pedestrian and bike traffic, safety issues mount and the risk for potential injury rise. The erosion is an immediate threat to the longevity of the Okanagan Rail Trail, and the RDNO will be working on mitigating the erosion in the RDNO owned section beginning in September,” said an RDNO news release.