Rail trail extension may alleviate parking woes, trail groups say

Fans of the Okanagan Rail Trail are hopeful that its extension to College Way in Coldstream this autumn will alleviate parking congestion at the northern end following complaints from neighbours.

The Ribbons of Green Society and Friends of the Okanagan Rail Trail have also applauded concept plans to enhance facilities at the trailhead.

The designs are to be presented to the public at the open house next week.

This fall, the aggregate surface of the rail trail will be extended to College Way, and there will be some slope scaling and a new access ramp near the east end of West Kal Road.

“The northern extension of the rail trail is welcome news,” Harold Sellers, the president of the Ribbons of Green Trail Society said. “With actual trail use about four times the levels originally projected, there has naturally been some growing pains and parking challenges.”

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Sellers is hopeful both residents and tourists will opt to travel off-road from downtown Vernon or the Kalamalka Lake Road parking lot to the rail trail.

“It will help relieve parking congestion,” Sellers said.

Both groups expect the proposed enhancements to improve the trailhead experience.

A plaza with trail information and interpretive signage is proposed for the area currently described as ‘kilometre zero.’

There is also a plan for a hilltop viewpoint along the trail.

In partnership with the Okanagan Indian Band, stories will be developed to share Indigenous history and the relationship to the land.

“We are excited about the innovative concept designs prepared by Bench Landscape Architects, and look forward to hearing public feedback,” Toby Frisk, president of Friends of Okanagan Rail Trail said. The group raised funds to help buy sections of the trail.

The RDNO open house will be held at the Coldstream Women’s Institute, Sept. 17, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Designs will also be posted on okanaganrailtrail.ca until Sept. 30.