If the railway is no longer feasible,

Then we have a decision to make

An unfortunate situation….

…an incredible opportunity

Public use

or 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

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.

<1 1-4

5-9

10-1

4

15-1

9

20-2

4

25-2

9

30-3

4

35-3

9

40-4

4

45-4

9

50-5

4

55-5

9

60-6

4

65-6

9

70-7

4

75-7

9

80-8

4

85-8

9

90+

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

Ave $/Person for Healthcare

Population (#)

Okanagan Population (2013 est.) & Health Expediture per Capita (2010)

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.

Manufacturing

Agriculture

Retail Trade

Construction

Health Care and Social Assistance

Tourism Related

Prof., Scientific and Tech. Services

Educational Services

-30.0% -20.0% -10.0% 0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0%

% Change

% of Total Employment (2012)

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

Negotiation to Purchase for Operations

Dec 3 Jun 2

Offer to Governments

Federal Provincial Transit Municipal120 day maximum

Offer for Sale to Public

What is the process of abandonment?

Letter of Intent to Operate Railway

(30 day periods maximum for each)

Oct 3

What Can We Do?

Go to www.okanaganrailtrail.ca to 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

The decision is ours

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.

www.okanaganrailtrail.ca