Significant progress made on Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail
A stand-alone section of the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail connecting Enderby and the Splatsin First Nation is complete and is an example of how future sections of the rest of the greenway trail will look.
The Enderby-Splatsin section of the non-motorized trail for walking and cycling is two kilometres long and part of the 50 km trail three local governments are working on, according to a joint media release from Splatsin te Secwépemc, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District and the Regional District of North Okanagan issued today, Dec. 6.
The plan is to eventually connect the Armstrong with Sicamous.
The total cost of the new section was more than $575,000 with funding coming from the federal, provincial governments.
“The completion of the Enderby to Splatsin section of the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail is a significant milestone in uniting communities and establishing the first pilot segment of the regional trail," MP John Aldag said in the release.
"Through collaboration with the Splatsin te Secwépemc and local governments, we are constructing a safe, modern rail trail that fosters community well-being, strengthens economies, and encourages active lifestyles for generations to come — all while preserving the rich heritage and cultural values within Secwépemc territory."
BC Ministry of Municipal Affairs Anne Kang said the rail trail creates an opportunity for families to enjoy the region’s beautiful landscape from a fresh viewpoint.
This pilot section will serve as an example for further sections of the regional trail and serves as a standalone link between Enderby and Splatsin allowing to better connect the communities as well as preserve and showcase the region’s natural beauty.
"This newly completed section of trail connects people with the past, showcases the environment and supports a healthy lifestyle option for people of all ages," Kang said in the release.
The pilot section of the trail is already open to the public with a grand opening ribbon-cutting event will take place in the spring.
Anyone wishing to stay up-to-date on the development of the rail trail can here.
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