The “Yes” Has It: Lake Country Approves Okanagan Rail Trail Loan

(Photo Credit: District of Lake Country)

After a record breaking turnout, Lake Country voters said yes to borrowing $2.16 million for the Okanagan Rail Corridor.

The unofficial results are in, showing that a significant majority (about 75 per cent of voters) said yes to the referendum asking whether Lake Country should borrow $2,615,000 for the purchase of a 50 per cent share of 16 km of the rail trail within their boundaries. The turnout was record breaking with 4,462 voters coming out to have their say, making up 47.9 per cent of eligible electors.

Voters at the advance polls. (Photo Credit: District of Lake Country)

Indeed, the District of Lake Country found after the last day of advance polls that the turnout at that point (30 per cent) was better than the turnout for the recent municipal election in November.

“The turnout for the referendum was outstanding and we are very pleased that residents in the community share our vision of the Okanagan Rail Corridor connecting communities and services of the valley,” said Mayor Baker.

(Photo Credit: District of Lake Country)

The unofficial results show that 3,336 voters said “yes” to the Okanagan Rail Corridor, while 1,117 said “no”. This successful referendum means that the Inter-jurisdictional Acquisition Team will move forward with their plans to purchase the rail corridor. Issues such as the funding from the provincial government were also dependent on a “yes” vote from Lake Country.

“Designs, public consultation and operating models will be evaluated for developing the corridor, but it may be a year or more before the route is developed and the corridor is open to the public,” said Michael Mercer, Director of Engineering and Environmental Services. “We’d remind residents that while the corridor may be acquired as District-owned land it is currently not open for public use.”

(Photo Credit: District of Lake Country)

The official results will be declared on Monday at 4 p.m. at the Municipal Hall, and Council will have a Special Council Meeting at 5 p.m. to adopt the Loan Authorization Bylaw.

This referendum does not completely clear the way for the Okanagan Rail Corridor, however, as the Okanagan Indian Band is still suing the municipalities, CN Rail, and the provincial and federal governments for their claim to the rail corridor land.

*Cover Photo Credit: District of Lake Country*