Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Reopening of Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail

The reopening of a section of the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail is set to be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 10, 2023, from 10:00 to 12:00. This event will mark the reopening of the trail along Mara Lake, specifically between Kilometre 2.8 (Folland Road) and Kilometre 14.8 (Rosemond Lake Bridge). This section had been temporarily closed for necessary culvert installation and drainage improvements.

The ceremony is organized by the partners behind the trail, including the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD), which announced the reopening in a press release dated September 4. Although the trail has reopened, the CSRD noted that further erosion repairs are planned for the area. These repairs are expected to begin in the fall or winter of 2023, pending the completion of environmental reviews and the acquisition of low-water window permits.

Access to the rail trail is anticipated to improve significantly with the completion of the R.W. Bruhn Bridge on Highway 1, although the CSRD indicated that full access from Sicamous to the rail trail will likely not be available until 2027.

For those attending the ribbon-cutting event, the Sicamous Ferry Society will provide a shuttle service across the Narrows, connecting downtown Sicamous to the event site at Kilometre 0.5. Following the ceremony, a light stand-up luncheon will be hosted at the Sek’emaws Health Centre on Main Street by leaders from Sicamous Economic Development and the Sicamous Ferry Society.

Visitors planning to drive to the celebration are encouraged to use the new parking lots located on Finlayson Street or Main Street, both accessible from Riverside Avenue. For those arriving on foot or by bicycle, the ferry shuttle can be accessed at Martin Street. It is important to note that there is no public parking available on Martin Street. The ferry service is expected to operate throughout September and may continue into the fall, depending on community support. Donations to sustain the ferry operations will be accepted on-site.

As attendees prepare to enjoy the reopened section of the rail trail, the CSRD has emphasized the importance of safety and etiquette for all users. This reopening represents a significant step in enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities for the community and visitors alike.