Okanagan Rail Trail gearing up for busy season, new additions

Users of the Okanagan Rail Trail (ORT) will notice some improvements when they go for a stroll or ride for the first time this spring.

The stewardship group, Friends of Okanagan Rail Trail (FORT), says several projects are underway.

“The kiosk, shade sails, and plaza are now completed at Km 0 [in Coldstream] and the final stages of approvals for the content of the interpretive signage which will tell the Indigenous story of this area, are underway,” the group stated.

The signage project has been a shared effort between the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB), Vernon Museum and Archives and the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), and has been coordinated by FORT volunteers.

“Now that a blueprint for the kiosk format and signage has been established, it will be easier as funds are raised to create future kiosks and gateways along the trail,” FORT added.

The stewardship society, which spearheaded a public fundraising campaign to get the trail off the ground, is expecting a busy season for the 49 kilometre trail between Coldstream and Kelowna.

“With travel and social activities curtailed over the past years, the rail trail has become even more important to many for physical activity and their mental well-being,” FORT stated.

FORT said the four owner jurisdictions of the ORT — the City of Kelowna, OKIB, the District of Lake Country and RDNO — have each been working on improvements.

Coldstream has completed Coldstream Station on Kalamalka Road which includes washrooms and off-road parking just a few blocks from the trail’s starting point off College Way.

Lake Country has upgraded the gravel parking lot along the isthmus on Oyama Road opposite Trask Road.

In Kelowna, a new access point has been created off Enterprise Way at Houghton Road with a bridge across Mill Creek, and lighting has been added along the stretch from Dillworth Drive to the north end of Enterprise Way.

Kelowna also plans to raise a section of the trail next to the Mill Creek diversion channel entrance to mitigate flooding concerns this summer.

As for the final unfinished and closed section north of the Kelowna Airport, the addition to reserve by the federal government is still pending, but the City of Kelowna has called for tenders for the construction of the ORT from Old Vernon Road north of Kelowna airport to 500 metres north of Beaver Lake Road in Lake Country.

Meantime, FORT Day On The Trail will be held Saturday, May 27.

“Be on the lookout for FORT’s bright yellow tents and flags. Trail ambassadors and stewards will be out on the trail from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to share stories, swag, and information with trail users,” the group stated.