A session on Saturday afternoon will provide information about the proposed Trail of the Okanagans hiking and cycling pathway.
The trail concept started as the dream of a walking and cycling path between Lowertown and Trout Creek, but it has since grown into a much longer trail which would extend from Sicamous to Osoyoos.
The information session is to be held on Saturday, April 26 at the Days Inn Conference Centre, 152 Riverside Dr., Penticton. It will run from 1 to 3 p.m. with a formal presentation at 1:30 p.m.
Ian Lobb, a cycle touring director who helped to develop the Waterfront Trail in Ontario, will speak at the session.
The Waterfront Trail is more than 700 kilometres long and links 68 communities around Lake Ontario.
Andrew Jakubeit, a Penticton councillor and cycling Advocate, and Mark Woods, community services manager with the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen will also speak.
“Bike tourism represents a huge economic opportunity for the South Okanagan,” said Colleen Pennington, Penticton’s economic development officer.
“We already benefit from great bike events and tours. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg given the potential growth from showcasing the unparalleled terrain of the region.”
Connie Denesiuk, chair of the Trail of the Okanagans steering committee, said the proposed trail has been gaining support.
While a Summerland trail or a Summerland to Penticton route would bring benefits, the longer trail will have a significant effect on the region.
“It has the potential to provide a significant boost to the economies of all our communities,” she said.