Missing piece of Okanagan Rail Trail in Kelowna to open this summer

Construction crews have started work on a missing piece of the Okanagan Rail Trail west of the Kelowna airport. 

The 3.2 kilometre stretch of trail is going to connect Old Vernon Road near the Kelowna International Airport and Lake Country boundary near Beaver Lake Road, according to a press release from the City of Kelowna issued, March 25. 

Once the section is complete the Okanagan Rail Trail will stretch 49.5 km from Coldstream to downtown Kelowna. 

Part of this new section of trail is involved in the land transfer deal between the Okanagan Indian Band and CN Rail, so once that deal is complete and construction is done the trail will be open. 

“The work on the Rail Trail reflects both regional collaboration and the ongoing responsibility to protect and uphold OKIB’s title and rights,” Okanagan Indian Band Chief Dan Wilson said in the release.

The $1.2 million project is funded in part by $900,000 through 5,000 donations to the Okanagan Rail Trail Initiative. 

The work includes safety improvements including fire mitigation and warning signs along 2.6 km of the new section. 

“This isn’t just a construction milestone; it’s a defining moment for the Okanagan,” Lake Country Mayor Blair Ireland said in the release. “By closing this gap, we are delivering on a promise of a fully connected region.”