New shade sails at Northern Gateway of Okanagan Rail Trail in Coldstream. (Photo credit: Friends of Okanagan Rail Trail)

By Pete McIntyre

Traffic counts

Okanagan Rail Trail usage ‘beyond predictions’

Aug 25, 2022 | 2:15 PM

It’s been another busy summer on the Okanagan Rail Trail.

The stewardship group, Friends of Okanagan Rail Trail (FORT), said they get asked about the number of users by many people.

“The trail usage is beyond predictions, and the Okanagan Rail Trail has become part of life in the valley,” said the group in an update to members.

FORT said the number of walkers and cyclists are recorded by devices in the cedar posts installed on the edge of the trail in each of the jurisdictions; Regional District of North Okanagan, Lake Country and Kelowna.

“These mark the trail counters which have electronic cords underneath the surface of the trail. They count traffic going in both directions,” the update stated.

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The counts for January to July this year show more than 382,000 users on the RDNO portion from Coldstream to Lake Country, over 79,000 in Lake Country, and 375,000 in Kelowna which is only bikes.

(Image credit: Friends of Okangan Rail Trail)

The Rail Trail was officially opened in September 2018.

Meantime, Friends of ORT said the work on KM 0 [the start of trail in Coldstream] has been progressing.

“Four shade sails are now gracing this wonderful area which is transforming into the Northern Gateway of the Okanagan Rail Trail.”

Km 0 was once a traditional gathering place of the Syilx people, and is now being used for a welcoming, shaded spot to start or end people’s trip on the trail.

“It will also offer a unique learning space where interpretive signage will give inspiration to the stories of the land and the people who once dwelled here and used this area as a seasonal fishing campsite,” said the group.

The Gateway is being developed through a partnership between the Regional District of North Okanagan, Okanagan Indian Band and Friends of Okanagan Rail Trail.

A welcome kiosk and wayfinding signage should be installed by the end of September.