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 What is Rails with Trails?
Rails with Trails is a multi-use pathway constructed within an existing CN Railway corridor that is centrally located in Kelowna.
It's ultimately envisioned to extend from downtown cultural district to UBC Okanagan and beyond the service regions to the north where preliminary discussions are already underway with the City of Vernon.
The route connects neighborhoods to recreational facilities and parks, institutions and the downtown Cultural District, providing direct access to the scenic Okanagan Lake waterfront and beaches.
Funding for the project
- The City received funding from the LocalMotion Provincial program which allowed construction of the first phase of the Rails with Trails Project, Gordon Drive to Spall Road.
- The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure announced last fall its commitment to cost share the design and construction of Phase Two of Rails with Trails, from Sexsmith Road to UBCO.
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Who can use Rails with Trails?
The intended use of the trail is consistent with the City's goals of providing alternate modes of transportation, promoting active living, reducing harmful emissions and providing sustainable transportation networks.
Safe and scenic pathway perfect for:
- Walking
- In-line skating
- Commuter and recreational cycling
- Wheelchairs
- Scooters
- Baby strollers
Where is Rails with Trails located?
Along existing CN Railway from Spall Road to Gordon Drive.
Both termination points provide traffic pedestrian activated controls with on-street dedicated bicycle lanes as well as pedestrian facilities such as:
- wheelchair accessible ramps and sidewalks
- a new pedestrian signal controlled crossing
- access to a nearby school and recreational green space
Close proximity to major sport venus including:
- Prospera Place
- Apple Bowl sports field and running track
- Lombardy Park where minor baseball and recreational softball is played
Key Dates
| Central Okanagan Multi Modal Corridor Planning and design |
Date |
| Focus Engineering has been retained as a consultant to do preliminary design from Sexsmith road to Airport way to confirm alignment options generated from Central Okanagan Multi Modal Corridor study. |
Current |
| Detailed design from Spall road to McCurdy road. |
2008 |
| Preliminary Design from Sexsmith road to Airport way. |
2008 |
| Detailed design from Spall road to UBCO |
2007 |
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Project Phases
Phase One - Gordon Drive to Spall Road (Complete)
The City's Project Staff and the Consultant Urban Systems Ltd. worked collaboratively with CNR to realize the first phase. By May 2008, their efforts paid off as the City opened the first section of Rails with Trails corridor between Gordon Drive and Spall Road. Complimentary of the multi modal corridor planning initiative for the future transportation corridor, the pathway runs parallel to the newly constructed Clement Avenue, a 4 lane divided arterial roadway which is also the first phase of the future bypass road.
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Phase Two - Sexsmith Road to UBCO
As part of the 2020 Official Community Plan, this phase of the Rails with Trails corridor intends to connect Sexsmith Road to the UBCO campus. Funding has been provided and construction was scheduled for 2009; however, the City has been presented with hesitation from CN Rail. |
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Phase Three - Spall Road to Sexsmith Road
Phase three of the Rails with Trails will be the final link, connecting downtown to UBC Okanagan. |
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