Christy Clark Promises $7.2 Million for Okanagan Rail Trail

Premier Christy Clark has just announced $7.2 million towards the acquisition of the Okanagan Rail Trail.

The provincial government made the announcement on Tuesday to help the municipalities acquire the discontinued CN rail line. This contribution supports the efforts of the inter-jurisdictional acquisition team, which includes the City of Kelowna, the districts of Coldstream and Lake Country, the City of Vernon, and the regional districts of the Central Okanagan and North Okanagan. This team has been working for months to acquire the $22 million property from the rail company.

Premier Christy Clark. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow)

"There are few places in the world that have more to offer outdoor enthusiasts than the Okanagan," said Clark. "By putting an unused rail line to better use, connecting communities as a cycling and walking trail, there will be even more reasons to get outside."

"We believe in the plans that the City of Kelowna and its partners have for this discontinued rail line and we think this project is a good investment for the local communities," said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone.

(Photo Credit: District of Lake Country)

Local MLAs also showed their support for the rail corridor sale and discussed the Lake Country referendum.

"The purchase of the rail corridor by local government on behalf of the current and future visitors and citizens of the Okanagan is an important capital priority," said Minister of Agriculture and MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country Norm Letnick. "By making our intention clear to financially assist with the acquisition, I hope it will better inform residents of Lake Country as they consider how they will vote on the upcoming referendum."

"This investment in our community is in support of an important project—a corridor for recreational activity in this wonderful region," said Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and MLA for Kelowna-Mission Steve Thomson. "Through the efforts and investment of the project partners, a new recreational trail will be a highlight for these communities along the corridor."

(Photo Credit: KelownaNow)

The government says that the funding commitment is contingent on a positive outcome from the upcoming referendum in the District of Lake Country about their loan for the project. If this referendum passes, then the government says the acquisition of the rail line will be completed on June 1, 2015.

The provincial government did not comment on the upcoming court case regarding the rail corridor sale, one which they are involved in. The Okanagan Indian Band is currently suing the municipalities, the provincial government, and the federal government for their claim to a portion of the corridor.

*Cover Photo Credit: Okanagan Rail Trail Initiative*