Dear Editor:
On behalf of the Trail of the Okanagans Committee I would like to thank municipal council for endorsing the lakeside pathway extension at the UBCM Conference.
I have learned that this council and administration, with explicit mention of Coun. Erin Trainer, was passionate and convincing in presenting the case to Minister Todd Stone.
Their engagement helped to further convince him of the merits of a safe cycling corridor connecting Summerland with Penticton and beyond. Thank you!
The coming months should be very exciting for everyone involved in trail building around Summerland. Phase I of the Lakeside Pathway quickly became very popular with locals and visitors.
The Phase II extension to Penticton will draw more visitors to our community.
A parallel development along the former KVR right-of-way across the PIB Reserve appears to be more likely with the return of the corridor to the band scheduled before year’s end. Going north the construction of the Garnett Valley bicycle lanes will help provide safe cycling opportunities to Peachland and beyond, and our long-established trail connection west to Faulder, Osprey Lake and Princeton will get a long-needed facelift with the upgrade of the Fenwick trailhead scheduled this fall.
Summerland will soon become one of the best connected communities in the valley and shine as a gateway connecting the south and central Okanagan regions.
Let’s start addressing signage requirements to help travelers find their way to shops, cafes and sights in our town and surrounding areas.
There are many beautiful views and experiences to be explored by bike.
Henry Sielmann, chair,
The Trail of the Okanagans
Summerland