Rail Trail one year later: work in progress

Nov 4, 2019 | 5:15 AM

It’s been a busy first year for the Okanagan Rail Trail — not only in terms of the thousands of users — but also with construction.

The group ‘Friends of the Rail Trail’ says a trail master planning process has begun, and will provide a vision for development, ecological restoration, and opportunities for learning along the trail.

One of the current projects is extending the north end of the trail in Coldstream to connect with College Way.

“A 50-vehicle parking area has been paved on Westkal Road near Kickwillie Loop. The District of Coldstream is continuing work towards design of their parking area on Kalamalka Lake Road to relieve parking pressures in residential areas. Concept planning has begun for northern trail access areas in Coldstream, including ‘Kilometre Zero,'” says a newsletter released by the group.

The trail officially opened in September 2018.

Charger rollout

Phased approach planned for EV chargers at Vernon ALC

Apr 24, 2026

Secondary Dwellings

Coldstream considering more housing on agricultural lands

Apr 24, 2026

Wildfire Risks

Okanagan's Fire Danger Rating already up to Moderate

Apr 23, 2026

“Since that time, it has enhanced the lifestyle and health of hundreds of thousands of trail users – cyclists, runners, and walkers – of all ages and abilities,” stated the release.

This year, 35 kilometres of trail was open in two separate sections, with a section between Winfield and Mill Creek closed.

About 350 metres of the sensitive Kokanee spawning shoreline has been restored and protected along Kalamalka Lake. More work will be required over the winter months and next year to ensure that the trail base and shoreline are fully restored and protected against high waters in the future. There will be trail closures required with this work.

Two of the sites funded by the Edna, Stella and Harry Weatherill Foundation donation (Ribbleworth Falls and km 3.7) are near completion and remain closed to allow the newly planted vegetation time to become established.

The section of the trail in Kelowna from Gordon Drive to Manhattan has now been paved.

Four jurisdictions are working together to oversee development, management and maintenance of the popular public amenity (Regional District of North Okanagan, District of Lake Country, Okanagan Indian Band and City of Kelowna).

“The Friends of Okanagan Rail Trail (FORT) support these owner jurisdictions with programs for trail ambassadors, fundraising and trail improvements,” said the group.

by Pete McIntyre

View Comments