Peachland, B.C. – Peachland’s new Multi-Use Pathway to West Kelowna was officially opened Friday, June 20 at the new Trail’s scenic outlook area with representatives from the multiple organizations and funding partners that made it a reality.
Peachland Mayor Patrick Van Minsel and members of Peachland Council were joined by West Kelowna Mayor Gord Milsom and representatives from the Regional District of Central Okanagan, the Trail of the Okanagans and the Gellatly Bay Trails and Parks Society, all instrumental in bringing the project to life.
“Our government is excited for the District of Peachland as they celebrate the completion of their multi-use trail,” said the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna, and Secretary of State (Defence Procurement). “By connecting Peachland to West Kelowna, active transportation users will enjoy a scenic and pleasant journey through the connected communities. This trail also plays an important part of a larger vision that will transform the Okanagan Valley and have a profound economic impact for the region.”
“This new multi-use pathway is a great example of what we can achieve when all levels of government work together,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit. “Our government is proud to support projects like this new trail between Peachland and West Kelowna, which will enhance the quality of life, promote healthy living, and help drive tourism and economic growth in the central Okanagan.”
“We are standing on a new path connecting our communities, built with the generous support of our Provincial and Federal governments who recognized what we all did,” said Mayor Van Minsel. “This is not just a trail to let us travel safely on a busy transportation route, it is also a spectacularly beautiful experience with scenery that takes your breath away. This is a connection that has joined us but will bring people to our communities.”
Cyclists and pedestrians are enjoying this safe connection to Goat’s Peak Park thanks to funding of up to $920,200 from the BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants (BCAT) Program and $356,400 from the Government of Canada’s Active Transportation Fund.
The Trail features a scenic viewing and rest area with a circle of stones, a project suggested by the Trail of the Okanagans, an advocacy group focused on trail sections between Kelowna’s Bennett Bridge and the Canada/US Border. The Trail of the Okanagans advocated for the project and helped develop and install directional signage for the new trail.
The 2.7 km section of trail network is a major improvement that allows, for the first time, safe and convenient off-highway access for bicyclists and pedestrians from Peachland to West Kelowna.
Many people are already enjoying the benefits of the trail. Peachland locals can walk or bike directly from their residences to the trail. Alternately, trail visitors can park their vehicle along Beach Avenue and follow the signage to access the new trail. The trail connects Downtown Peachland to Goat’s Peak Park entrance near the boundary of Peachland and West Kelowna. It is made up of off-street multi-use pathways and a stretch of neighbourhood bikeway along Drought Road.
The trail ties into a planned 250km multi-purpose trail system that will span the Okanagan Valley. Three trail systems are close to connecting the communities from Sicamous in the North to Osoyoos in the south with the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail, the Okanagan Rail Trail and The Trail of Okanagans. A fully connected trail system is expected to have a profound economic impact for the region and communities along the system and vault the trail system to one of international significance.