"We are pleased to support the City of Kelowna in this premiere multi-use corridor through our LocalMotion Program," says Minister Chong. "Rails with Trails will be a pathway to healthier lifestyle activities for all residents and will help Kelowna become a greener more sustainable community."

The 1.8 kilometre pathway extends from Gordon Drive to Spall Road providing a wide, paved pathway suitable for cyclists, pedestrians and anyone using non-motorized transport.

"We are committed to active transportation as part of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing our environmental footprint," notes Mayor Shepherd. "This pathway will connect neighbourhoods, recreational facilities, parks and the downtown cultural district, providing improved access to Okanagan Lake's waterfront and beaches. Eventually we hope it will extend out to UBCO, and perhaps to Lake Country and Vernon."

The pathway will be up to 4.5 metres wide, landscaped and illuminated, with a fence separating the path from the railway. Safe crossing locations can be accessed at Gordon Drive, Cerise Drive and Spall Road.

The City of Kelowna received matching funds of $1 million from the provincial government's LocalMotion Program to construct this first phase of the Rails with Trails project. Construction of the $2.1 million project began in October 2007.