Phase Two of KVR Repairs Begin

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), in coordination with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) and Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC), will be commencing Phase Two of trail improvements along the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) trail between Bellevue Trestle (above Kelowna) and Glenfir Station (above Naramata) on Monday September 13, 2021. The improvements will include capping the repaired subbase with a 3/4” minus aggregate to create a rideable trail tread and repair any drainage issues. This process is expected to be completed within a month. The public is asked to respect all crews, barriers, equipment and all posted signage for your personal and workers safety.

Trail after Phase One Completion

The first phase of the trail repair was completed in early summer of 2021. The improvements included brushing, grading, and raising the tread (trail surface) in certain areas that saw annual flooding along the approximately 16km section of the trail. Locations were identified by a professional Geotechnical Engineer and the project was done using heavy machinery.

Pre Work Condition of the Trail

Pre Work Condition of the Trail

TOTA is pleased to continue undertaking this work to create a better KVR experience. We would like to acknowledge the support of Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure (CERIP) program funding, received through the Ministry of Forest Lands Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development to enable TOTA to contribute to this project and implement these changes along the trail. We also appreciate the work that many have undertaken to improve the trail over the past many months, including the RDOS, RSTBC, Chute Lake Lodge and others.

First Phase of KVR Repairs Now Complete

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), in coordination with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) and Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC), has wrapped up the first phase of trail improvements along the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) trail between Bellevue Trestle (above Kelowna) and Glenfir Station (above Naramata). The improvements included brushing, grading and raising the tread (trail surface) in certain areas that saw annual flooding. Locations were identified by a professional Geotechnical Engineer and the project was done using heavy machinery. 

Belleview Trestle

Phase 2 of the work will include capping of the sections that saw large rock aggregate being used to raise the tread of the flooding sections. Currently, the large aggregate is not ideal for cycling, however capping will take place in the coming month to complete the work for an improved trail experience along this section of the KVR. More details on phase 2 of the work will be updated when the work commences. 

TOTA is pleased to continue undertaking this work to create a better KVR experience. We would like to acknowledge the support of Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure (CERIP) program funding, received through the Ministry of Forest Lands Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development to enable TOTA to contribute to this project and implement these changes along the trail. We also appreciate the work that many have undertaken to improve the trail over the past many months, including the RDOS, RSTBC, Chute Lake Lodge and others.

Section with Raised Tread

Section with Raised Tread

Rail Trail Improvement Project Starts Today for a Better KVR Experience

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is coordinating with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) and Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC) to complete trail improvements along the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) trail between Bellevue Trestle (above Kelowna) and Glenfir Station (above Naramata). The improvements include brushing, grading and raising the tread (trail surface) in certain areas that see annual flooding.

Locations have been identified by a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) and the project will be done using heavy machinery. This may result in the closure of certain sections of the trail while crews are working in order to maintain worker and public safety. We advise people to be cautious utilizing the trail between Monday and Friday for the duration of the work. The trail will be fully open on the weekends.

The trail work will commence today, Tuesday, May 25th, and have a duration of approximately three weeks. Please respect all crew, barriers, equipment and all posted signage for your personal and the workers safety.

TOTA is pleased to undertake this work to create a better KVR experience. We acknowledge the work that many have undertaken to improve the trail over the past several months, including but not limited to the RDOS, RSTBC, and Chute Lake Lodge.