Greater Vernon politicians are under pressure to embrace the vision of an expanding trail network.
The Ribbons of Green Trail Society has asked the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee to expand the 20-year-old trail master plan for the community.
“We have created what we see as priorities,” said Victor Cumming, society director, while presenting a number of recommendations to GVAC.
Among the major trails the society wants completed are Kin Beach to Paddlewheel Park, Vernon to Kal Lake, Kal Beach to Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park and Swan Lake to Goose Lake.
A number of new paths are also proposed. They include lower and upper BX Creek, Bella Vista Road to Tronson Road, Rose’s Pond in the Commonage to Kekuli Bay Provincial Park and Coldstream Creek.
There is also support for a corridor from Vernon to Oyama.
“We want this to become the new master plan or some modification of it,” said Cumming of the society’s proposal.
However, it was pointed out to the society that development and operation of trails comes with a cost.
“Between downloading from the federal and provincial governments and maintaining services, these are the main reasons (trail) projects are not going up,” said Gyula Kiss, a GVAC director.
Some politicians, though, appear ready to embrace the society’s efforts.
“I’m really excited to see a new plan in place,” said director Catherine Lord.
