
Some people just can’t wait to use the Okanagan Rail Trail.
The trail is currently closed for construction and the permit process — but people have still been using it — even removing closed signs put across the path in some areas.
“From what we understand — and I’m not on the trail — but there are still people using the trail when they shouldn’t be,” says Trail Ambassador Brad Clements.
Clements says the permit process involves the inter-jurisdictional team operator having to ensure agricultural operations won’t be impacted by the trail.
“So they are looking at this, and we’re working with the ALC (Agricultural Land Commission) and working with adjacent farm land to make sure that the trails are safe and agricultural operations are not impacted.”
With a 1.3 million dollar donation announced by Kelowna-Lake Country Liberal MP and the the federal government Wednesday, 6.6 million has been raised, leaving about one million left to pay for the construction.
“We’re seeing more interest in the trail now, and we’re seeing donations pick up. We’re absolutely thrilled with the response from the community for this campaign,” says Clements.