Trail enthusiasts continue to push their case for an expanded network.
The Ribbons of Green Trail Society has asked the City of Vernon to incorporate its recent update of local trail plans into long-range planning documents.
“This is a large, planned system of trails,” said Victor Cumming, society director. “This is about recreation and economic development.”
The society, which also recently presented to the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, has suggested a number of trail projects for the short, medium and long-term in Greater Vernon.
Among the major trails it would like completed are Kin Beach to Paddlewheel Park, Kal Beach to Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park and Swan Lake to Goose Lake.
Among new routes being proposed are 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.
A society goal is to see a network connecting downtown Vernon to Okanagan, Swan and Kalamalka lakes.
There is also support for a corridor from Vernon to Oyama.
When Ribbons of Green began 20 years ago, there were three trails and now there are 35 to 40, with another 18 in various stages of planning.
Cumming says that progress has occurred because of broad community involvement.
“It’s supported by all of the municipalities and key community groups, and particularly Kalamalka Rotary,” he said.
While Brian Quiring, a Vernon councillor, commends the Ribbons of Green Society for the plan it has developed, he questions why it doesn’t include a link between Paddlewheel Park and Ellison Provincial Park.
“The plan is silent on that,” said Quiring.
Cumming says that route will be added to the plan as a long-term vision.
“We’d like to see a bike lane along there (Eastside Road),” he said.
