On a recent Thursday evening, I, along with dozens of others, met at the Schubert Centre to hear about and see on the screen, the proposed plan for the Okanagan Rail Trail.
This rail trail would be developed on the rail line between Coldstream and downtown Kelowna.
This is a distance of about 50 kilometres. The scenery is magnificent along Kalamalka, Wood and Duck lakes.
As this abandonment of the CN rail line goes through due process, local citizens need to show our support for the possibility of this wonderful recreation corridor at our doorstep.
Currently, one company is investigating the feasibility of operating this line for business purposes. They have until July 2 to make a decision.
Register your support and comments, and encourage your friends to do the same. Go to www.okanaganrailtrail.ca
Our federal, provincial, transit and municipal governments need to know that we are anxious for the development of this rail trail to happen!
Beginning July 2, the federal government has 30 days in which to decide if they want the property.
Then the provincial government has 30 days, and so on.
The establishment of this rail trail would dedicate this corridor for public use for all time to come.
If it does not happen, this extraordinary linear property will be sold off for individual private use.
The future of this land is in our hands.
What do we want — public or private use?
J. Schafer
Vernon
