Okanagan Rail Trail to Be Completed by Okanagan Indian Band, District of Lake Country, and City of Kelowna
On February 8, 2022, the Okanagan Indian Band, District of Lake Country and City of Kelowna announced agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will pave the way toward building important health, safety, and infrastructure improvements, including completion of the Okanagan Rail Trail.
Staff discussions among the three neighbours over many months have resulted in an agreement to move toward resolving infrastructure needs. Some preliminary work is already underway on agreements to overcome historical jurisdictional challenges.
Working within the spirit of the agreement, all parties are committed to meeting the following goals:
OKIB Objectives
the opportunity for water and sewer services to existing properties and availability of servicing for future developments,
a road access to a parcel of land on the east side of Duck Lake, and
an Addition to Reserve for the Okanagan Rail Trail corridor.
Lake Country Objectives:
to have Commonwealth Road opened as an arterial access to Jim Bailey Road from Highway 97 to address capacity issues on Beaver Lake Road,
to complete the Okanagan Rail Trail,
to secure interim sewer servicing from the City of Kelowna,
dedication of a road right-of-way north from Beaver Lake Road to the Clearwater/Copperhill subdivision, and
a minor boundary adjustment.
City of Kelowna Objectives:
to complete the development of the Okanagan Rail Trail,
to protect the City’s main sewer line within the rail trail right-of-way through the IR#7,
to obtain full access for the industrial lands via Commonwealth Road, and
later supply from Lake Country for the entire neighbourhood.
The three jurisdictions agree to work together to upgrade Beaver Lake Road to an arterial standard from Highway 97 to Jim Bailey Road.
OKIB has agreed to provide access to the Okanagan Rail Trail once the Government of Canada adds the lands to Reserve. This connection will provide the final link to this important recreational corridor.
Over the coming months, the parties will formalize legal agreements to address responsibilities and funding for the various works.
OKIB Chief Byron Louis, Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran, and Lake Country Mayor James Baker will take part in a ceremonial signing event in the near future.
