Rail trail a tourism boost

Photo: Peter Vander Sar

1975 file photo of CN Rail line between Armstrong and Sicamous.

Regional politicians believe tourism will boom once planned recreational rail trails are built along the old CP Rail line between Sicamous and Armstrong. But, first they have to buy the line.

Last week, the North Okanagan Regional District announced that only 91 people voted against borrowing $2.17 million to pay for its share of the trail.

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District also used an alternative approval process, with only 141 people voting against borrowing a similar amount for the project.

The total cost of the purchase is $6.5 million, with the province chipping in one-third of the cost.

Some parts of the line are owned by the Splatsin First Nation, which is working in partnership with the regional districts.

“The successful public assent process for the CP rail corridor brings us one step closer to securing yet another section of trail,” said Juliette Cunningham, NORD deputy chair.

Cunningham pointed to construction of a recreational trail on the old CN Rail line between Coldstream and Kelowna, now called the Okanagan Rail Trail.

“These trails will undoubtedly result in increased tourism activity, and be a tremendous asset to local residents.”

“Acquiring the rail corridor will be a long lasting legacy for residents, visitors and the communities in our region,” said Rhona Martin, CSRD chair. “We expect this project to be another tremendous tourism opportunity that will contribute greatly to our local economy.”

The final purchase is still subject to a satisfactory legal and environmental examination of the property by the regional district partners.