Stock photo courtesy of Friends of the Rail Trail Society

By Liam Verster

Outdoor Space Enhancements

RDNO dedicates funding to trail and natural space projects

Jan 24, 2025 | 3:26 PM

Several thousand dollars are going to support outdoor projects in the North Okanagan.

The Regional District of North Okanagan’s Board of Directors approved funding through the Greater Vernon Trails and Natural Spaces Project Gran Program to three recipients.

A grant of $50,000 was approved for the North Okanagan Cycling Society to be used to rehabilitate and build a multi-use biking and hiking trail system at Vernon Hill. That grant was still pending provincial approval, though the RDNO did commit funding for the project.

An additional $5,000 was granted to the Friends of the Okanagan Rail Trail Society for the installation of a three-tier signage kiosk at the Kekuly Bay entrance, which is one of the most popular access points.

The RDNO also provided the North Okanagan Naturalist Club $7,800 to be used for continued habitat restoration work at the Swan lake Nature Reserve, which includes native plantings, replacing birding perching poles, and installing updated signage and benches.

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“We are thrilled to announce the awarding of grant funding to these outstanding organizations dedicated to enhancing our region’s trails and natural spaces”, Ian Wilson, RDNO General Manager of Strategic and Community Services, said.

“These projects are not just about improving physical infrastructure; they are about enriching the lives of our community members. Investing in the benefits of these improvements will extend far beyond the trails themselves and create a positive impact throughout our community.”

The RDNO program provides funding for eligible trail and natural space projects that benefit the region, and will reopen the intake process in the fall for 2026 projects.