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Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail work on track

Rail trail development underway despite Sicamous91Ƶ delayed rezoning

Progress is on track for further development of the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail.

Following the development of a two-kilometre pilot section in Enderby in 2023, the project is moving ahead rapidly with the Splatsin Development Corporation91Ƶs Yucwmenlúcwu (Caretakers of the Land) as the primary construction contractor.

Currently, construction of the rail trail has begun between kilometres 1.5 to 4.5 in the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) and is anticipated to begin soon on sections south to kilometre 42.6 at Stepney X Road. Plans for 2024 also include work on a section between kilometres 49 to 50 at Lansdowne Road in Armstrong.

The rail trails owners are working to raise the final funding for the project which will include a pedestrian overpass at Highway 97 and construction from Stepney X Road to Lansdowne Road.

91ƵThe District of Sicamous91Ƶ recent decision to delay rezoning will not delay construction start,91Ƶ according to the CSRD. 91ƵThis will just move the project south to Splatsin land and CSRD Area E jurisdiction.91Ƶ

When complete, the trail will be just over 50 km in length and mostly flat. It traverses lakefront shoreline, forested hillside, rivers, streams, farmland and rural towns.

The finished surface will consist of crushed and compacted aggregate, suitable for pedestrian and bicycle use, as well as universal mobility access (i.e. wheelchairs, electric scooters). Pedal-assisted e-bikes will be allowed, as well as dogs on leash. There will be no motorized vehicles or equestrian use.

Final access will be directly from Sicamous over the new Bruhn Bridge which will include a separated multi-use pedestrian/bicycle pathway to Old Spallumcheen Road and the rail trail.

91ƵBut current delays mean this will not be completed for at least the next two years, possibly longer,91Ƶ according to CSRD.

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