Okanagan – An Opportunity.

We have a tremendous opportunity here in the . On October 2, 2013, the process to abandon the railway between Vernon and began. While the abandonment of the railway will have negative consequences on our manufacturing sector, we must consider the opportunity that arises from this unfortunate situation. We can do our best to transform this wonderful linear property into a community asset that will provide benefits to the residents and visitors to the Okanagan now and long into our future, or we can allow this transportation corridor and last natural lakefront access to be sold for private use.

The decision is ours.

If we wish to consider this decision, then we must act fast. The railway may become available on Dec 3, 2013.

Why an Okanagan Rail Trail?

There are several benefits to saving this transportation corridor and turning it into a community pathway.

Health A community pathway will provide healthy recreation and transportation opportunities to people of all ages with a beautiful, safe, and accessible place to cycle, walk, hike, or jog. This will enable the residents of our communities to incorporate exercise into daily routines by connecting key locations that are currently not easily accessible by riding, walking or jogging. By encouraging physical activity we will see a significant effect on public health and wellness.

Transportation/Livability In addition to providing a safe place to enjoy recreational activities, this community pathway will act as an efficient transportation corridor and help create a seamless regional Trail Information: multi-modal transportation system. By connecting Coldstream, Vernon, Kelowna, Lake Country, the airport, and UBCO, the 50 49.9 km in length km pathway will link communities to places of work and recreation providing the ability to avoid congested streets and virtually no elevation change highways. Currently there is no other transportation corridor that could provide a safe alternative for non-motorized follows the shores of transportation modalities. This will become a significant factor in Kalamalka, Wook and Duck the Okanagan’s livability. The Okanagan Rail Trail will also Lakes “feed" people into and out of transit stations in a safe and efficient manner improving the adoption of other alternative travels through Coldstream, transportation methods. RDNO Area B, Lake Country, Okanagan Indian Band, Kelowna Conservation/Environment By transforming the railway into a community pathway we will Connects with UBCO, gain the conservation benefits of preserving green space as well Airport and Okanagan as the additional benefit of providing needed links between College (Vernon) fragmented habitats. This will provide further opportunities for protecting plant and animal species. The community pathway 23 parks within 500m. will also be a useful tool for the preservation of Kalamalka, Wood and Duck Lakes, which currently have largely 22 points of interest within undeveloped shorelines along the route. In addition, the 500m pathway can allow us to experience these beautiful lakes and

the unique ecology that surrounds them with little impact.

Nov 24 p1 Economy/Revitalization The economic effects of an Okanagan Rail Trail are also a very important to consider. For several years the economy in the Okanagan has been evolving. Manufacturing has been declining and small business increasing. Tourism continues to be the most important contributor to the local economy.

The Okanagan Rail Trail will have direct impact on tourism. The pathway will have virtually no elevation change, making it attractive to a broad range of users and many types of activities. The Kettle Valley railway is a prime example of the heavy use these types of trails receive. In 2004 when $13.5 Million was committed to rebuilding the trestles lost to fire the Provincial and Federal governments indicated that the Myra Canyon portion of Rail line along the shoreline of Kalamalka Lake near Coldstream the trail provided $5 million in economic benefit each year. (1)

The Okanagan Rail Trail will also improve the livability of the Okanagan increasing the attractiveness to entrepreneurs and employees seeking an improved quality of life.

Community Identity The Okanagan Rail Trail can become a source of community identity and pride. These effects can be magnified if our communities use the pathway to highlight and provide access to historic, cultural, recreational, and environmental resources. The increase in tourism due to the trail will provide the community with positive exposure and help generate greater community identity.

Kalamalka Lake and its mainly undeveloped shorelines is currently a large part of the Okanagan’s identity. Development along these shores would be putting this aspect of our identity at risk. Converting the railway into a pathway will help protect the lake and preserve its international identity.

What is the process of abandoning the railway?

Nov 24 p2 As you can see by the timeline above, time is off the essence. If there is no intention by any parties to operate the railway, the offer to government to purchase begins on December 3rd. That is just a few weeks away. By March of 2014, our opportunity to work with government on securing the corridor may be gone and all of the benefits of transforming the railway line into a community path are lost forever. The decision is ours.

How do we ensure that a community path is an option?

Time is of the essence. It will be just a few weeks before the railway will probably be offed to the community through various levels of government. After that time period, the railway right of way will be offered for sale to the general public. Once the railway line is offered for sale to the public, sections will be quickly purchased ending the option for a community pathway linking our communities and creating public asset to benefit current and future generations of residence and visitors of the Okanagan.

We suggest the following:

1. We need community support for the Okanagan Rail Trail to show the various levels of government that we indeed wish to have a rail trail considered. Please go to www.okanaganrailtrail.ca to join our list and show support. You can also like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/okanaganrailtrail. 2. We need to raise funds for a cost benefit analysis of purchasing the railway line. We believe that proper analysis is required before we purchase the corridor. We are confident that the analysis will show purchasing the corridor will be a wise investment. 3. Work to bring the various levels of government and the Okanagan Indian Band together to engage CN in Rail line along the beaches of Wood Lake in Oyama (Lake Country) developing an agreement that benefits residents, First Nations, government and CN.

Losing the railway will have a tremendous negative impact on the Okanagan’s economy. If that does happen, then we must make the best of an unfortunate situation and turn it into a positive outcome for the residence of the Okanagan, tourists coming to visit and our economy today and into our future. The decision is ours. We can make this happen if we all work together.

Please Note. This document was written the Okanagan Rail Trail Initiative. We support the businesses that utilized the railway and will support an organization who wishes to take over operations of the railway. Our intent is to ensure that the rail line is considered as a community pathway/transportation corridor only if the railway is abandoned.

For more information, or to show your support of this idea, please visit our website www.okanaganrailtrail.ca or email us at [email protected]. You may also call 250-306-4192.

Notes and Information Sources (1) http://www.kettlevalleyrailway.ca/jd2004.htm (2) CN’s Notice of Discontinuance of a Railway Line, Oct. 2, 2013. (3) CN Network Strategies Department, Montreal Quebec. (4) National Trails Coalition – Canadian Trails Study, Terrance J. Norman, December 2010, (5) http://www.railstotrails.org/ourWork/trailBasics/benefits.html (6) BEAT: The Path to Health, Fall 2008

Nov 24 p3 A sample of the 1,222 emails of support received.

Vince Klein I think the idea of a multi purpose path from Kelowna to Vernon is an opportunity that will never come again if this is not done, just look at how hard it is to find land for a hyway.

Lance Greenberg What a fantastic idea. You only have to look at the Mission Park Greenway to gauge the success of this project. MPG is one of the most beautiful, nature immersive, ecologically sound, inner-city recreational sites that Canada has to offer. Theres an ecology center beside a spawn-bed, information booths on local geographic formations, valley history. Its amazing and this project can build on that same success based on its unique ecology/history.

Michael Dornian I would be very interested in supporting your move to convert the rail line from Kelowna to Vernon into a rail trail. This summer my partner and I had the pleasure of riding the paved rail-trail between Cranbrook and Kimberly and it was fantastic. The trail along the lakes would be much more spectacular. Anything I can do to help out. Please let me know. Letter writing perhaps. cynthia Nichols, I just finished reading the piece in the Daily Courier about the CN rail line. Like you, we moved to Kelowna for lifestyle reasons and were surpised to find that, for a city that prides itself as an outdoor recreational paradise, there is, in many instances, a painful lack of infrastructure. I live in the Quail Ridge area of Kelowna and am a walker. I have found it is virtually impossible to walk from Quail Ridge to virtually any other part of the city without either having to walk along the shoulder of highway 97 ( a perilous and unpleasant experience) or walk through private property. It was, therefore, with much enthusiasm that I read about the recent closing of the CN rail line. This would make a perfect biking/hiking/recreational corridor, as the newpaper article suggests.

Jack Allingham, I'm a big supporter of the rail line between Vernon and Kelowna being a bike/walk path. Please tell me how I can help

Carol Willis Coldstream, Would love to be involved in this possibility in any way I can. Please add me to your list.

Brian Henschel, West Kelowna, I would be will to assist in any way with the group effort to convert the rail to a trail. I am a retired small business owner who sees tremendous benefit to the Okanagan Valley should the rail bed be converted to a trail - either single or multi-use. The idea of riding a bicycle along the rail bed would be appealing to thousands I am sure.

Josh koble, Vernon, As some one who spends most of my life on a bike I believe that this would greatly benifit a lot of people. A path would provide not only a beautiful setting for physical activity and sightseeing it would provid a safe way for people to travel between communities without having to use the highway. I have personally biked from Vernon to kelowna a couple times and it was not the experience it could have been had there been a path like this one. I work for sun country cycle in Vernon and I join them in there support for this path and I am willing to help in any way possible. Feel free to contact me if needed. Thank you and best of luck!!!

Kyle de Hrussoczy-Wirth, Vernon, Please save this valuable asset by keeping it public and creating a bike route.

Paul Dixon, Easthill, Vernon, bc, I am excited by this idea. I think it's a great use for the old rail bed. I keep picturing many great adventures with my family along that, and maybe some epic bike rides from Vernon to Kelowna and back. 100% behind this great idea!

Alex Lane, vernon, This would be the greatest addition to the north Okanagan since Kalamalka provincial park. marta green, vernon, Based on other examples: the galloping goose, kettle valley rail trail, , this would be a priceless asset to the valley that would require minimal funds to maintain once in place. World class: views, lake assess and car free recreation for all, while maintaining a transportation corridor for future generations.

Len McFarlane, Kelowna, Okanagan Mission, This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for all levels of government to come together in a project that will have unimaginable benefits worldwide Pauline Landry, West Kelowna, I'm an avid cyclist and hiker. If this trail was to be converted into a multi use for us cyclists and walkers it would be fantastic and safe.

Afra Lindquist, Kelowna, BC, As I enjoy cycling on trails away from busy traffic I totally support the idea of making the old railway between Vernon and Kelowna linear park to be used by outdoor enthusiasts.

Glenn Kohaly, Kelowna, What a unique opportunity to preserve a piece of our history for everyone to enjoy.

Connie Mahoney, Kelowna, This would make an awesome trail off the highway, PLEASE! thanks!

Hugh and Joan Carmichael, Kelowna, This right away was likely given to CN along with other considerations and in return they were to provide rail service. Since they no longer are going to provide rail service. The line should go back to the public. They should not be allowed to sell it for a profit. It would also give the much needed Bike lane to UBCO. Or as I like to call it Owe UBC.

Penny Husch, Ellison, Support this, please contact me for volunteer work : )

Pamela Brooks, kelowna, I fully support the development of the Okanagan Rail trail system as I am an avid hiker and biker.

Nancy Henry, Peachland, BC, A linear parkway between Kelowna and Vernon would be a huge asset to the community as parkland, as a tourist draw, and as a fitness opportunity. One needs only to bike or hike the Kettle Valley Railway to see how popular that park has become to tourists and locals alike. Additionally, recreational opportunities like linear parks, help provide opportunities for fitness and reduce the pressure on the health system as a result. Once established they provide a legacy for our children. It will also be a corridor for wildlife to access the lake.

Kathy van Leur, East Kelowna, This is a huge opportunity for a linear biking, walking path through the city - irreplaceable opportunity that we have to grab!!

Lawrence Carlson, Lower Mission, It would be awesome to be able to bike from Kelowna to Vernon, great for families and tourists a real draw to the area.

Harold Sellers, Vernon, The opportunities for community connectivity, recreation, physical activity, outdoor appreciation are too important to let this slip through our fingers.

Krys and Steve Vines, Mission, Fully support more trails in Kelowna. Great for the whole community.

Barbra Allen Bradshaw, Coldstream, This is a rare opportunity to create an amazing natural resource for the use of residents from Vernon to Kelowna. Having a trail in this location would be highly desirable. In fact, we've run part way down the track from Coldstream and have long thought it would fabulous to be able to continue along this path. Please do not have this land sold to the general public for development.

Jacki Beatty, Glenmore, Kelowna, Fantastic opportunity to preserve the corridor for hikers and cyclists - great recreation asset!

Cory tout, West Kelowna, Please do not let this opportunity to crest another recreational corridor slip through our fingers.. Once developed the land is Lost forever. One of the main reasons tourists come to BC is to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities and tourism brings in millions dollars per year (I don't know actual Figures, but I know it's very high and tourism is one of our largest sources of jobs). Give tourists one more reason to visit the Okanagan and Provide present & future generations another beautiful peaceful stretch of land to exercise, appreciate nature and de-stress. A great investment in human & animal health . Thanks for your consideration

Ella van Dinther, Kelowna North, I support a rail trail.

Susan Seyfried, Kelowna ( glenmore), I am strongly in favour of a recreational corridor between Kelowna and Vernon. This represents an invaluable opportunity for the residents of the area as well as for the tourist industry.

Eric Heffernan, Kelowna, Great idea Carol Drury, Kelowna - Mission, We often hike the KVR and the many links it has generated here in the south of Kelowna. It would be great to have another area with the same kind of activities available (both hiking and biking) as the KVR is already very busy and in danger of overuse.

Konnie Kranenburg, Vernon, I support keeping the rail line between Vernon and Kelowna running. It is important for business in the area. As well, we do not need more trucks transporting materials on the highway between the two cities. The highways are busy enough as is. KEEP THE RAIL LINE OPEN!!!

Shannon Dufort, Lake Country, Would be a shame to lose this opportunity and nature for all to enjoy.

Debra McAdam, Kelowna, Imagine a rail trail system that links the entire OK! That would be a dynamic and enduring attraction for locals and visitors alike.

George Pidgeon WISH TO SUPPORT THE RAILTRAIL TO OPEN UP A TOURIST ATTRACTION ALONG BEAUTIFUL SCENERY .

Donna Heinrich, North Okanagan, Cycling on roads is quite unsafe here, especially in the summer. Increasing activity is the key to general improvement in health and as a cardiac nurse, I meet many people looking for opportunities to exercise more. This is a perfect one! It would also be a great way to attract more "motor less" tourism to the Okanagan!

Ingrid Neumann, Coldstream BC, I totally support your initiative to pursue preserving the rail corridor as a recreational corridor between Kelowna and Vernon.

Kim tymchuk, Lake Country, A walking path I feel would be most suitable.

Gayle Harris, West Kelowna, Please convert the rail line into a recreational trail. The KVR is a wonderful asset to our area.

Wendy Lawrence, Kelowna, Great way to get the people of Kelowna and surrounding communities walking. Promote better health. ross anderton, kelowna, PLEASE all support the fantastic opportunity to convert the Okanagan Rail to a people access as a rail trail.

Brent, Tasha, Lachlan & Kiera Carmichael, Kelowna, Turning this corridor into a multi-use pathway to benefit all and primarily bicycle commuters travelling between Kelowna Centre/Downtown all the way out the Airport, UBC Campus and North Business District would be invaluable. Also like our neighbours in the Kootenays (http://www.kimberleycondos.com/north-star-rails-trails-kimberley-bc ), Idaho and Washington (http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/trail-coeur-d-alenes ) the corridor all the way to Vernon would be a major tourist draw similar to our already famous Kettle Valley trestles.

Laurey, West Kelowna, I support it!

Clifford Smith, Coldstream, BC, This is a fantastic idea! So little of the Kalamalka lakeshore is accessible to the public and so little of this kind of infrastructure exists in the RDNO for public recreational use!

Matt Reid, Kelowna, How is this even a choice? Of course create a recreational corridor.

Peter Dieleman, Kelowna, AbsolutLey must keep the right of way for public use

Travis Bernhardt, North Coast of BC, This sounds like a great project, with benefits to the local community and tourism. All the best, I hope that it works out and I can walk/ride your path in the future!

Joanne mayer, This plan would be fantastic!!!!!!

Linda Smith, Kelowna, I support this plan

Randy Martin, Mount Royal, Kelowna , I support the Okanagan Rail Trail Society in their efforts to turn the track from Kelowna to Vernon into a biking/hiking trail

Kouhyar Tavakolian, Burnaby, I support this. gwen zilm, City of Kelowna, Let's do all we can to ensure this becomes a recreational path for not just ourselves but for future generations.

Peter Campbell, West Kelowan, This would be great for the area. What a treat it would be to be able to ride from Kelowna to Vernon and on without riding on the 97. An opportunity not to be missed.

Maureen Lejbak, Just read article in the Courier today and would like more information on what is expected from volunteers for RTR Okanagan.

Amanda Smith, Kelowna, I think that this would be a wonderful opportunity to have a safe and viable biking/walking trail between Kelowna, Lake country, and Vernon. What a wonderful thing for both the communities and for tourism! grant robinson, kelowna, All in support!! I am a photographer having recently relocated to the Okanagan and if my services can be of any help in this process please be in touch.

Anna Mewhort, Burnaby (Grew up in Kamloops), I think this is a great idea!! It would be good for locals and tourists! Bikes are the cars of the future! :)

Cindy Kler, Vernon, I support this

Dawn King, Vernon, YES!

Russ miller, vernon, Don't miss the opportunity if it is there. alesha miller, vernon, Look what kettle valley has done for kelowna so don't waste the opportunity. christa miller, vernon, What an opportunity to have an all purpose trail

Becky & Baby Kai Alexander, Foothills - Vernon, As a new mom, it is a challenge to find safe trails, paths or roads to walk/run with a stroller - even MORE difficult to find a safe area to walk/run with other moms two-wide. I 100% support this opportunity!!

Gina Hanfstingl, Vernon, Please use this lovely route for cycling and hiking, would be excellent for locals and tourism daphne miller, vernon, What a wonderful opportunity to have a beautiful trial that everyone could use.

Susan Wells, Okanagan/ Shuswap , This is a letter of support for the wonderful idea of a new trail where the old railway tracks are presently being deserted. This is such an extraordinary opportunity for developing a unique and beautiful area for walking and biking trails. It could become a Park area of its own alongside the beautiful lakes of the central and north Okanagan. Our world especially now,needs more beauty, more green spaces, more quiet areas for the health benefits of all.

Andrea Lee, Vernon BC, Totally in support of this! What a wonderful opportunity this could be. Would love to know how we can make this happen!!

Grant chapman, La la Biche , This is wonderful. I hope u succeed!

Gwyneth Gau, Sicamous, I totally support the Okanagan Rail Trail Initiative. The use of non motorized rail trails from Vernon to Kelowna is a wonderful concept. It will bring in tourism dollars to both of these communities. Everyone today including government talks about getting outside and get fit. What a better way to be able to do this, especially at no cost.

Kate Wiebe, Falkland, Even though I don't live in Vernon or Kelowna, I would definitely make a trip to use this trail. What a wonderful idea and great use for an unused rail track. Awesome! meagan heinloo, coldstream, My family has used the railway as a trail to walk our dogs since I was a baby. Please preserve this for everyone in the Okanagan!