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This year like never before, we have needed the Okanagan Rail Trail. The open spaces allow us to stay active while practising social distancing and provide an essential connection to nature.
The Community Foundation North Okanagan has awarded $72,000 to the Okanagan Rail Trail’s Kilometre Zero project with a grant from the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative. The Government of Canada, alongside Community Foundations of Canada, has deployed $31 million in funding through the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative. This program is helping communities across Canada adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19 to build safer spaces and ensure a higher quality of life for people across the country.
Here in the North Okanagan, the popular 50 km Rail Trail spanning from Coldstream to Kelowna has limited access points. By developing the trailhead at Kilometer Zero in Coldstream this project will create a safe and spacious trailhead, with a plaza gathering space, a Hilltop viewpoint, and interpretative installations that will reflect and celebrate the history of the Sylix people and the rich cultural values of the northern (Kalamalka) trail section.
“As summer begins and we feel the increased desire to connect with each other, these projects from the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative will help our community to connect safely and will benefit the mental and physical well-being of our residents.” Leanne Hammond, Executive Director, Community Foundation North Okanagan, comments, “We are incredibly proud to be able to support the Okanagan Rail Trail in their campaign to develop the Northern Gateway into a beautiful trailhead and a unique public space close to Kalamalka Beach.”
Last year, trail supporters raised funds to naturalize the old rail yard as the first phase of the trailhead development. This year Friends of Okanagan Rail Trail (FORT) have just launched the Sunflower Campaign which will finalize the design and create a signature trailhead with a plaza gathering space, distinctive gateway feature and interpretive signage.
Friends of the Okanagan Rail Trail are still aiming to raise another $100,000 to complete the trailhead development by 2022. Even with current grants and future potential awards, support from the public is still needed to complete the North Okanagan community’s signature Rail Trail gateway.
Learn more: https://okanaganrailtrail.ca/friends-of-the-tra...
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