The Naramata Little Tunnel on the Kettle Valley Railway in steam days - Date unknown by Artist Max_Jacquiard.

10 September 2013

$100,000 for Kettle Valley Trail

Naramata British Columbia - As part of the long-term vision for the Kettle Valley Railway Trail to be a vibrant, world-class, recreation destination, the provincial government is investing more than $100,000 to upgrade the trail between Naramata and Little Tunnel.
 
The project includes a new high-quality tread surface for a six kilometre portion of the trail.
 
"These improvements will provide a safer and higher quality experience for residents and tourists using the KVR Trail, one of the most well-known rail trails in British Columbia and Canada," says Minister of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson.
 
The upgrade will be completed this fall to take advantage of funding and resources available through this year's budget for recreation site and trail maintenance and improvements.
 
Work is expected to start towards the end of the month.
 
"This government is a strong supporter of the Kettle Valley Railway corridor in the Okanagan Valley.
 
The upgrades will help ensure the trail continues to draw visitors to the region providing them a first-class recreational experience," says Penticton MLA, Dan Ashton.
 
A decision regarding motorized vehicle use of the trail in the Naramata area has not yet been made.
 
The province will make a final decision regarding motorized use of the trail in the Naramata area, from Glenfir Trailhead to Little Tunnel, after an assessment of the public safety and liability aspects of allowing continued highway vehicle use is complete.
 
Motorized recreation remains an important backcountry activity, and the province is committed to high-quality recreational trail opportunities for all trail users.
 
The provincial rail trails network across southern British Columbia makes up more than half of the 1,600 kilometre Trans-Canada Trail in southern B.C.
 
The complete trail across Canada is 16,000 kilometres long.
 
These trails hold significant potential benefits for trail users and communities along the trail, including both improved quality of life for residents, and increased tourism revenue.
 
Wayne Moore.

Vancouver Island
British Columbia
Canada