Hydrail visualization along Okanagan Lake (Image credit: UBCO/YouTube)

By Pete McIntyre

Hydrail

Local politicians get update on Okanagan rail idea

Apr 20, 2023 | 5:00 AM

An Okanagan resident is making an updated pitch for electric passenger rail service in the Okanagan.

Dr. Gord Lovegrove, an associate professor at UBC’s school of engineering and current Kelowna city councillor, was scheduled to appear before Regional District of North Okanagan board members Wednesday in Coldstream.

Lovegrove’s presentation included an update on his idea for Hydrail, hydrogen-powered, zero-emission tram trains that would run from Kamloops to the U.S. border which he says would be cheaper than widening Highway 97 to accomodate for population and tourism growth.

He also maintains it would have greater sustainability benefits than roads and more vehicles, such as improved air quality, better quality of life, improved safety and less congestion.

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“Zero emission tram-trains have [been] running for over 40 years thru low-density, rural German farming communities like our Okanagan Valley,” he said in his presentation notes to RDNO. “They are more affordable than widening highways, and promote climate friendly, safe, equitable mobility, access and connections for all

Lovegrove, who successfully ran for Kelowna council in 2022, estimates it would cost $5 billion to upgrade roads from the U.S. border to Kamloops to meet future demand, while the rail service would cost $5 million per kilometre to build, or about $1.7 billion in total.

He added the annual operating costs would be offset by fares, stations, safety, air quality and tourism benefits.

“UBCO researchers have confirmed technical and economic feasibility to operate OVER PR [Okanagan Valley Electric Regional Passenger Rail] between Osoyoos (U.S. rail network) and Kamloops (Canadian rail network). Major benefits: reduced GHGs, congestion and crashes; increased eco-tourism and transport equity,” wrote Lovegrove.

Lovegrove is currently trying to engage and form partnerships with communities on the idea.

Hydrail visualization in Kelowna (Image credit: UBCO)