More of the Okanagan Rail Trail to open this summer

News Release

Construction began this week to complete 3.2-kilometres of the missing Okanagan Rail Trail connection on City-owned land between Old Vernon Rd., near the Kelowna International Airport, and the Lake Country boundary near Beaver Lake Rd.

Construction is anticipated to be complete before summer and includes pedestrian crossing improvements at Old Vernon Rd. and Beaver Lake Rd., as well as trail upgrades north of Beaver Lake Rd.

Minor safety improvements, including fire mitigation, surface work and warning signage, will be completed along an approximate 2.6-kilometre section involved in the ongoing Federal Government process to transfer CN Rail land to the OKIB, with trail construction and public access also requiring approval from the OKIB Council. This section will not formally open until the land transfer is finalized.

The project is supported through over 5,000 donations, totaling $900,000 for this phase, raised by the Okanagan Rail Trail Initiative.

Please abide by safety personnel instructions, posted construction signage and fencing to ensure everyone’s safety while commuting through the area. Once completed, the Okanagan Rail Trail will span 49.5 km from Coldstream to Kelowna's downtown.

For more information, visit kelowna.ca/cityprojects.

Quotes: City of Kelowna Mayor Dyas:
“The Okanagan Rail Trail is one of the most important and valued amenities in our region, connecting communities and giving residents and visitors a unique way to experience the Okanagan,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “A great deal of work has gone into getting us to this point, and advancing this section is a meaningful step toward completing a fully connected trail from Coldstream to downtown Kelowna, improving safety and creating an enjoyable experience for those using the trail. This progress reflects strong regional collaboration and a shared commitment to delivering something people will enjoy for generations. We will continue working in partnership with OKIB toward a fully connected and accessible regional trail”

Okanagan Indian Band Chief Dan Wilson:
“The work on the Rail Trail reflects both regional collaboration and the ongoing responsibility to protect and uphold OKIB’s title and rights,” said Okanagan Indian Band Chief Dan Wilson. “While strong partnerships with the District of Lake Country and the City of Kelowna continue, there is still important work with Canada to address the section through IR 7, so it is properly recognized as reserve land under OKIB’s jurisdiction. OKIB will continue to advance this work through direct engagement with Canada and expects a clear path forward that respects its title, rights, and responsibilities to the land.”

District of Lake Country Mayor Ireland:
“This isn't just a construction milestone; it’s a defining moment for the Okanagan," says Mayor Blair Ireland. "By closing this gap, we are delivering on a promise of a fully connected region. We’ve already witnessed the Rail Trail's power to ignite our economy and transform our health; this completion cements that legacy. We’re proud to build a future where active transportation and world-class tourism are woven into the very fabric of Lake Country. The strength of our regional partnership has made this lasting investment possible, and our community is excited to see this continued progress.”

Chair of the RDNO Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, Bob Fleming: “This is an exciting milestone for our region,” stated Bob Fleming, Chair of the RDNO Greater Vernon Advisory Committee. “With the final section of the Okanagan Rail Trail now under construction, residents and visitors will soon be able to experience the full corridor from Coldstream to Kelowna - an incredible asset that connects our communities and showcases the natural beauty of the Okanagan.”