View of future Grey Canal trail alignment, acquired by RDNO from Coldstream Ranch. The trail will follow an existing farm access road. It is not open to the public at this point. (Photo credit: RDNO)

By Pete McIntyre

land acquired

New trail connections add to Greater Vernon’s status as Trails Capital of B.C.

Jan 3, 2024 | 5:00 AM

Local residents and visitors to Greater Vernon will have more trails and amenities to enjoy in 2024…and beyond.

The Regional District of North Okanagan has announced the purchase of a 4.2 km section of the former Grey Canal irrigation flume from Coldstream Ranch for a future recreational trail.

Construction has also recently concluded two key trail projects.

One is a 900 metre connection for the Grey Canal Trail between the Turtle Mountain and Bella Vista/Okanagan Hills sections.

“This was a key missing link for this portion of the Grey Canal. The land was acquired in 2021 by the City of Vernon and RDNO,” a news release from the regional district stated.

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RDNO received a $110,000 provincial grant to develop the trail.

RDNO also confirmed an earlier story by Vernon Matters that a 1.3 km section of the Kal/Crystal Waters Trail, allowing access between Bailey Road, under Highway 97 to Kekuli Provincial Park and the Okanagan Rail Trail, has been completed.

New section of the Kal/Crystal Waters Trail allows access under Highway 97 near Kekuli Bay Provincial Park and Bailey Road. (Photo credit: RDNO)

“This project received $210,000 in funding from the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and helps to link the Rail Trail to the communities of Predator Ridge and Sparkling Hills Resort,” RDNO said.

Bob Fleming, chair of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, said the completion of remaining portions of these regional trails is a key goal in the Greater Vernon Trails and Natural Spaces Master Plan, adopted in 2022.

“We are thrilled to have acquired another section of the historic Grey Canal to ensure its protection for generations to come,” Fleming commented.

The Grey Canal was a former irrigation waterway that helped sustain the development of farm land in Greater Vernon from about 1906 to 1970. At one time it spanned 50 km between Lavington and Okanagan Lake and supplied water to the largest irrigation district in B.C.

Brand and logo for Greater Vernon: Trails Capital of B.C. (submitted/RDNO)

RDNO said the recently acquired parcels present a valuable opportunity to continue to protect sensitive ecosystems and historical/cultural features, as well as connecting people and communities.

The district says the newly acquired Coldstream Ranch section is not yet open to the public, as RDNO requires approval from the Agricultural Land Commission.

“The RDNO acknowledges the collaboration and support of the Coldstream Ranch throughout the acquisition process,” the news release continued. “Part of the agreement ensures that Coldstream Ranch will continue to have access through the property to adjacent rangelands for cattle grazing. This successful partnership reflects a shared commitment to building capacity and support for sustainable and diverse natural spaces and trail networks, and the well-being and prosperity of our community.”

A ribbon cutting and grand opening will take place for the new sections in the spring of 2024.

“Investments in tourism infrastructure projects like the Grey Canal and Kal/Crystal Waters Trails are good for visitors, good for communities and good for the economy,” Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, said. “The tourism investments we’ve made in regions throughout the province are linking communities together and creating a more vibrant British Columbia for everyone.”