Manic Monday | Kettle Valley Rail Trail Continues to be a priority...

The Thompson Okanagan is truly a world-class destination, however, we believe there is still much more that can be done to reach our full tourism potential and enhance the quality of life for visitors and residents alike.  One such opportunity is our rail trails network across the region and in particular the Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVRT) system which connects to the "Great Trail" that crosses Canada.

TOTA and our partners are committed to developing the KVRT into a world-class export ready rail trail tourism experience.  The first priority in this effort is focusing on the segment of trail from Midway at Mile ‘0’ to Little Tunnel near Penticton.  Realizing the trail’s tourism potential will yield desirable tourism benefits (rural community development, economic growth and diversification, improved local recreation opportunities) to industry and local communities along the trail. Though the goal is clear, and despite the significant visitation on the trail already, there is a need to take a strategic and coordinated approach to enhancing the trail experience and improving management of the trail.

TOTA, in partnership with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, are moving forward with the preparation of a Master Plan for the Midway to Penticton segment of the KVRT over the next 6 months. The Master Plan will be focused on determining what needs to be done along the trail and with the management of the current trail use in order to optimize its tourism potential while also improving the recreational experience for local users.  Development of the plan will be a collaborative effort with trail user groups, stakeholders and local Indigenous communities along the trail.

McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. (MCSL) will lead the master planning process. They are experienced trail, outdoor recreation, and tourism planners and will help ensure the planning process is collaborative and lead to an outcome that will help see the fullest tourism potential of the trail.

Should you have any questions about this initiative, you are encouraged to contact Mike Overend – Destination Development Program Specialist at 778.721.5462 or via email at industrysupport@totabc.com.

The Rail Trails were a significant part of the past and we know they can play a major role in the future!

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO