Bike trail beside Hwy 97?

Photo: RDCO

Peachland district council could approve a letter of support for a proposed linear park and trail project connecting them to the town of Summerland at their meeting Monday night.

The Regional District of the Central Okanagan requested the letter in support of their Crown land tenure application for the 3.6-kilometre Fir Brigade Trail area, on which they would develop a multi-use linear trail. 

The area is a historical trade route of the Syilx people used informally by hikers now, and the RDCO called it an "important regional corridor for recreation and active transportation linking the communities in the RDCO and RDOS" in their letter to council.

In her formal report on the matter to council, director of Peachland community services Cheryl Wiebe said the project could have significant benefits, and could be another piece to a larger puzzle.

"Creating a circular route, i.e. being able to bike from Kelowna around Okanagan Lake back to Kelowna, could be a significant eco-tourist attraction," Wiebe said. "The rail trail system in the Thompson-Okanagan has the potential to draw both domestic and international visitors."

She also pointed out that Peachland council "has supported connectivity between Peachland and our neighbouring communities" since 2011, making plans for a multi-use pathway between Peachland and Penticton as part of their long term plans.

The trail would be an option for bikers other than Highway 97 for transport up and down the west side of the lake. 

It has already been supported by the Central Okanagan-Regional Active Transportation Master Plan, Regional Growth Strategy and Brent Road-Trepanier Official Community Plan.