Government of Canada supports "Pathway of Connections" among Okanagan communities

LAKE COUNTRY, BC, April 12, 2018 /CNW/ - Investing in recreational infrastructure helps communities come together and stay active while growing our economy and creating jobs for the middle class.

Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna–Lake Country, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, was in Lake Country, British Columbia, today to announce $1.3 million in federal funding for the Okanagan Rail Trail project.

This project involves converting 50 kilometres of unused CN Rail line into a multi-use recreational trail spanning four communities: the City of Kelowna, the District of Lake Country, the Okanagan Indian Band and the Regional District of the North Okanagan.

Once the project is completed, families in these communities will be connected by a safe walking and biking trail they can use to get fit, explore nature and learn about their regional heritage. The Rail Trail will also be a great addition to the area's tourist amenities, helping grow the economy and job opportunities for years to come.

Quotes

"I am very proud that the federal government is supporting the Okanagan Rail Trail project. This is a great way to repurpose old infrastructure to meet current community needs. I very much look forward to seeing the many ways this project will enhance the lives of residents and support economic development throughout our beautiful region." 

Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna–Lake Country
On behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"The Okanagan Rail Trail will provide real benefits for residents and Kelowna-area visitors, and provide a boost in local tourism. I'm proud to support the Rail Trail through BikeBC and Rural Dividend programs and pleased to see Canada sign-on to support its completion."

The Honourable Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation & Infrastructure

By purchasing the discontinued rail corridor, our communities have demonstrated a commitment to preserving this vital regional asset for generations to come. We're grateful for the financial support of the federal government as well as the province, generous donors, business community and local residents to develop the Okanagan Rail Trail as a recreational amenity for all to enjoy.

James Baker, Mayor of Lake Country

Multi-jurisdictional partnerships are the engine that drive Innovative initiatives to enhance the quality of life enjoyed by our citizens. We are excited about this opportunity to continue working collaboratively with our local government and First Nation partners of the North and Central Okanagan to complete construction of this valuable active transportation and recreation link.

Colin Basran, Mayor of Kelowna

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• The Government of Canada is contributing $1,363,130 to this project under the New Building Canada Fund – Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component: National and Regional Projects. The project also received $471,500 from the Canada 150 infrastructure fund.
• The province of British Columbia has contributed $1,277,435 to this project through BikeBC and the Rural Dividends Fund. The remaining project costs will be raised by the Okanagan Rail Trail Initiative.

Associated links

Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia

Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects

Okanagan Rail Trail

Central Okanagan Foundation

Twitter: @INFC_eng 
Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

For further information: Brook Simpson, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-219-0149, [e-mail]; Andrew Gibbs, Senior Project Manager, City of Kelowna, 250-469-8836, [e-mail]; Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/