Construction has finished on the first section of the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail project, which will eventually provide a walking and cycling network between Sicamous and Armstrong.
Work on the trail began this spring and crews have completed a two-kilometre section of the trail between Enderby and Splatsin.
The section of the trail is meant to better connect the two communities and act as an example of future sections of the 50-kilometre, non-motorized greenway trail.
"The completion of the Enderby to Splatsin section of the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail is a significant milestone in uniting communities and establishing the first pilot segment of the regional trail," said John Aldag on behalf of Sean Fraser, federal Minister of Housing.
The Splatsin te Secwépemc, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, and the Regional District of North Okanagan are collaborating on the project with funding from the federal and provincial governments.
A release from the RDNO says the Government of Canada contributed $367,249 and BC provided $91,812 towards the $459,061 grant.
In addition, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) received a $250,000 grant, which went towards the project.
"We are grateful to the provincial and federal governments for contributing to the quality of life for residents and visitors through an investment in the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail. Their generous grants helped us make this project a reality," said Shirley Fowler, chair of the RDNO Board of Directors.
Although the Enderby-Splatsin section is now open for public use an official grand opening event is not scheduled until the spring.
