Celebration Set for Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail Reopening

The reopening of a section of the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting event on September 10, 2023. This event marks the reopening of a trail segment along Mara Lake that had been temporarily closed for essential improvements, including the installation of culverts and drainage enhancements. The reopened section stretches from Kilometre 2.8 at Folland Road to Kilometre 14.8 at Rosemond Lake Bridge.

According to a news release from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD), further erosion repairs are necessary along this section and are expected to begin later in the year. These repairs will be contingent on the completion of environmental reviews and obtaining permits for low-water windows. The CSRD has indicated that due to delays in constructing the R.W. Bruhn Bridge on Highway 1, full access from Sicamous to the rail trail is anticipated to be completed by 2027.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place between 10:00 and 12:00 on September 10, with the Sicamous Ferry Society providing shuttle services from downtown Sicamous across the Narrows to the event site. Participants will gather at Kilometre 0.5 to celebrate the reopening and enjoy a light stand-up luncheon hosted by Sicamous Economic Development and the Sicamous Ferry Society at the Sek’emaws Health Centre on Main Street.

For attendees planning to drive, parking will be available in newly designated lots on Finlayson Street and Main Street near Riverside Avenue. Those arriving on foot or by bicycle can access the ferry shuttle at Martin Street, which provides transportation across the Narrows to the event site. It is important to note that there will be no public parking available on Martin Street. The ferry service is expected to continue throughout September and may extend into the fall, provided there is community support. Donations to support the ferry’s operation will be accepted on-site.

As visitors prepare to use the rail trail, the CSRD has issued guidelines for safety and proper trail etiquette. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to enhancing outdoor recreational experiences in the region while ensuring sustainable access to the scenic landscapes of the Shuswap North Okanagan.