Chemical toilet in winter. ( photo / ID 84179973 © Aviag7 | Dreamstime.com )

By Kevin Rothwell

Insurance issues

Okanagan Rail Trail toilet leads to maintenance, insurance concerns

Jan 18, 2021 | 5:15 AM

It seemed on the surface like a simple fix after two local trail groups wrote to the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee about the lack of washroom facilities on the Okanagan Rail Trail (ORT) for winter trail users.

The response was to direct staff to find $2,500 to place a chemical toilet at kilometre zero on Kickwillie Loop and work with B.C. Parks to ensure access to pit toilets at Kekuli Bay Provincial Park.

“If you keep the washroom open through the winter, it means your trail is open. It doesn’t matter what you say, through MIA (Municipal Insurance Association), you are required to maintain it,” Electoral Area ‘B’ director Bob Fleming said.

Staff confirm that a ‘winter policy statement’ and maintenance plan are required by the insurer to mitigate liability, and describe those costs as ‘significant.’

The estimated cost of winter maintenance would be $25 per metre, plus additional wear and tear on trails that would mean additional spring, summer and fall maintenance.

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There would also be costs associated with providing an all season washroom or washrooms.

“We need to think really hard before we add any element to winter maintenance,” Fleming said. “Previously we have had no winter maintenance, no facilities; it was use at your own risk.”

There would also be a precedent set which could see demands for facilities and service on other trails.

RDNO staff will seek further clarification from the MIA, and have also been instructed to bring back a report on the exact costs of winter maintenance on the Okanagan Rail Trail. That costing would also provide a ball park price for other trails.