The RDNO is set to reopen the northern section of the Okanagan Rail Trail before the Thanksgiving long weekend that begins on October 10, 2020. Before it can reopen, however, the full closure will extend to the Kickwillie entrance to allow crews to improve accessibility and enhance safety for trail users utilizing the Westkal Parking Lot. Starting October 5, the entrances at Kickwillie & Westkal will be inaccessible, with the entire north section (KM 0 to KM 12.5) reopening on October 10, 2020.
The RDNO began its fall 2020 erosion mitigation project on September 21, and since the work involved excavating and rebuilding sections, a full 24/7 closure of KM 4 to KM 12.5 was necessary.
This work is a part of the RDNO’s long-term planning and maintenance to ensure the trail remains safe and enjoyable for years to come. Since the Okanagan Rail Trail runs alongside lakes, it is expected that erosion maintenance work will occur throughout the life of the trail.
Construction of the public washrooms at the Kickwillie entrance to the trail will continue after the erosion project is complete, so parking will remain limited at the Kickwillie Loop and Westkal Road trail entrance. The washrooms are expected to be finished by the end of the year. Trail users are encouraged to park at the parking lot at Coldstream Station, 16506 Kalamalka Road, throughout the washroom construction.