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If the railway is no longer feasible,. Then we have a decision to make. Public use. An unfortunate situation…. …an incredible opportunity. o r Private Land. The decision is ours. What would you like?. 49.9 km in length max. grade 1.3% 24 km of waterfront on 3 lakes
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If the railway is no longer feasible, Then we have a decision to make
Public use An unfortunate situation…. …an incredible opportunity or Private Land
49.9 km in length max. grade 1.3% • 24 km of waterfront on 3 lakes Connects 6 communities Provide safe access to UBCO 23 parks within 500m 22 points of interest within 500m
Who would use the trail? • Residence of the Okanagan • - recreational • - commuting • - lake access • Existing visitors who would extend their stay. • New visitors attracted to the Okanagan by the trail. • Estimated annual use by year 5 is 589,975* • * Okanagan Rail Trail Impact Assessment Report
Transportation and Public Safety • An efficient transportation corridor linking: • Communities • Places of work and study • Parks and areas of recreation • Cultural amenities • Estimated 25,450 annual commuter trips • A safe non-motorized transportation option • In N. America we are 8 times more likely to be injured in a collision than cyclist in Europe • Separated multi-use pathways provide safer active transportation routes away from congested roadways.
Health Benefits • Communities that encourage physical activity by use of linear corridors see benefits in public health and wellness. • Research has also identified the importance of being in a natural setting to reduce stress and improve attention, mood and overall wellness. • Estimated annual use by local residents: • 148,000 walking trips per year • 309,095 cycling trips per year
Health Benefits The need for a healthy community.
Conservation/Environment Benefits A trail will provide needed links between fragmented habitats and help protect Kalamalka, Wood and Duck Lakes. A trail will reduce emissions by providing an alternative transportation option that does not exist today.
Economic Benefits • A trail will provide an important economic engine for the Okanagan creating an estimated $6.7 to $8.7 million in incremental annual economic activity by year 5*. • 107,400 visitor trips per year • This incremental annual activity may increase to 10.0 million by year 10. • A trail will also help attract entrepreneurs and employees seeking an improved lifestyle. • * Okanagan Rail Trail Impact • Assessment Report
Economic Benefits Overview of Thompson/Okanagan Economy. Thompson/ Okanagan Employment Growth by Sector 2006 - 2012
Community Identity A trail can become a source of community identity highlighting historic, cultural, recreational and environment resources
A key part of a larger opportunity • compliment the Kettle Valley Rail Trail • key part of a possible rail trail from Sicamous to Osoyoos • Allows for a continuous corridor for future methods of transportation
What is the process of abandonment? Negotiation to Purchase for Operations Offer to Governments Oct 3 Federal Transit Municipal Provincial 120 day maximum (30 day periods maximum for each) Dec 3 Jun 2 Offer for Sale to Public Letter of Intent to Operate Railway
What Can We Do? • Go to www.okanaganrailtrail.cato show your support • Have your friends and family go to the website • If you own a business send your logo and statement to okrailtrail@gmail.com
Our future is in our hands. • We can transform this wonderful linear property into a lasting legacy that will provide benefits for generations • or • We can allow this transportation corridor and last natural lakefront access to be sold off for private use. The decision is ours www.okanaganrailtrail.ca