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Splatsin Kukpi7 Mike Christian, RDNO Board Chair Shirley Fowler, CSRD Board Chair Kevin Flynn, Enderby Mayor Huck Galbraith and Shuswap MLA Greg Kyllo at the grand opening for the pilot section of the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail in Enderby. (RDNO photo)
'working together'

First section of new rail trail given grand opening

May 15, 2024 | 3:00 PM

A milestone has been celebrated for the North Okanagan Shuswap Rail Trail.

A grand opening event was held May 10 to commemorate the completion of the Enderby-Splatsin pilot section of the trail at the new trailhead parking area in Enderby.

The two-kilometre stretch marks the first fully constructed phase of the project, and will serve as a standalone link between Enderby and Splatsin.

The Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail pilot section in Enderby showcases the future rail trail being built between Sicamous and Armstrong. (RDNO photo)

The next phase of the rail trail is currently being constructed near Sicamous. The end goal is for a 50 kilometre non-motorised greenway trail for walking and cycling along the former rail corridor between Armstrong and Sicamous.

Representatives from the Splatsin te Secwépemc, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, and the Regional District of North Okanagan were on site to help celebrate the opening of the first phase.

Shirley Fowler, Chair of the Regional District of North Okanagan Board of Directors, said they are thrilled to see the project progress.

“This will further connect our communities and enhance recreational opportunities in the area. We are grateful to the provincial and federal governments for contributing to the quality of life for our residents and visitors through their investments in this amazing initiative,” Fowler, who is an Armstrong city councillor, said.

The federal government contributed $367,249 to the project while the B.C. government provided $91,812.

A $250,000 grant from B.C.s Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport to the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association was also awarded to the initiative.

Kevin Flynn, Chair of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District Board of Directors, thanked senior governments — and all of their partners — for their support.

“From the start, the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail has been about working together to make the vision of this recreational trail a reality,” Flynn said.

To stay updated on the progress of the rail trail, visit www.shuswapnorthokanaganrailtrail.ca.

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