Manic Monday | Kettle Valley Rail Trail gets a great boost!

This past Friday, Minister Lisa Beare spoke briefly in Kelowna following her tour from the air of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. Without question, our new Minster of Tourism, Arts and Culture has become an enthusiastic supporter of this iconic tourism experience and it was indeed an honour to be a part of hosting her.

We are at a unique moment. Over many years, countless individuals have worked tirelessly for the vision of a Rail Trail on the Kettle Valley that could provide economic benefits to rural communities, support entrepreneurial tourism businesses, increase international visitation to the region and offer locals and residence an exceptional outdoor soft adventure experience.

While there have been wins along the way in the past several years, more and more concerns has been raised over the ongoing deterioration of sections on the  trail and a severe shortage of funds to continue to maintain and grow this valuable asset.

This month the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association received notification that we have been awarded $500,000 grant from the BC Rural Dividend Fund through the Ministry of Forest, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development to match dollars already raised. With additional strong support from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Destination BC,  these monies will be used to focus on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail and to assist us in working with our partners at Destination BC, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, Regional Districts, City and Community DMO's and especially with our numerous stakeholders who are aligned with this project. We intend to see these funds used to assist us all in re-igniting the process of enhancing the quality and experience of this rail trail as well as elevating the ongoing marketing efforts that can and will benefit not only our larger centres but importantly bring new revenue opportunities to our small communities.

I’m very proud of the team at TOTA for their ongoing support, leadership, patience, and tenacity to see this project through!

It is only the beginning, there is much work to be done and much more money to be raised, however the momentum is undeniable and the opportunity is now.  The train, as they say, has left the station and we sure hope to see many many jump on board.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO