(file photo/Vernon Matters Staff)

By Liam Verster

seeking support

Bike trail network proposed for Vernon Hill

Oct 31, 2023 | 1:00 PM

Mountain bikers could have more terrain to explore should plans to create trails east of Vernon be supported.

The North Okanagan Cycling Society is looking to establish a trail network on the 325 hectares of Crown land on the eastern slopes of Vernon Hill.

The proposed site of the mountain bike trail network on Vernon Hill (image courtesy of the North Okanagan Cycling Society/RDNO)

The proposal, which will be presented to the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee (GVAC), stated the hill is located next to the Vernon Ranchlands and can be accessed from East Hill and Coldstream neighbourhoods. The society said it would connect with the existing Grey Canal Trail, and would “curb illegal trail building in the area.”

The society’s presentation also said Vernon aims to be the Trails Capital of B.C. and that should include mountain bike trails, especially in areas that can be used late into the season and offer great views like those proposed at Vernon Hill.

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The proposal noted the Regional District of North Okanagan’s master plan does not currently permit mountain bike enhanced trails, and so these trails should be multi-use and connect to the proposed Ranchland hiking trails.

It was also noted that B.C. Parks trails are crowded and not allowing new trail development, so future trails should be built on Crown land such as Vernon Hill.

The cycling society will ask GVAC for formal support on the proposal when the committee meets on Wednesday, Nov. 1.

It will also ask that future financial support be given, that there be RDNO parking infrastructure available for Vernon Hill users, and that the RDNO and trail organizations work together in partnership on the project.

The group noted the proposal had already received support from Recreation Sites and Trails B.C., and from the Okanagan Indian Band and Splatsin First Nation. Engagement with other stakeholders was ongoing, though there were no concerns reportedly raised by the Ribbons of Green Trails Society, Vernon Naturalists, or Vernon Off Road Motorcycle Club.

If supported by GVAC, and its parent Regional District of North Okanagan board, the North Okanagan Cycling Society would hope to break ground on the Vernon Hill mountain bike trail network in the spring of 2024.