Three popular sections of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail near Princeton could be repaired and reopened if federal funding is approved and local officials commit to long-term maintenance.
The Province, Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, Town of Princeton and Trans Canada Trail organization are exploring repairs to portions of the 67-kilometre trail corridor that has remained closed since severe flooding damaged it in 2021.
Among the areas being considered for repair are the bridge west of Princeton, access to Parr Tunnel and access to Whitesands Beach — destinations that local residents and visitors have used for recreation and tourism.
The regional district identified the sites as priorities after reviewing the extensive damage caused by flooding and landslides. Provincial officials have agreed to consider repairs to those three sections, although final decisions will depend on federal funding and whether the regional district is prepared to cover future maintenance costs.
The regional district is reviewing long-term maintenance options and budgets, with a board decision expected by the end of 2026.
While discussions continue about restoring portions of the trail, work will begin next summer to decommission a separate 17-kilometre section between Coquihalla Lakes and Brookmere that suffered some of the most extensive damage.
According to the Province, damaged trestles, unstable slopes and landslide-prone areas pose ongoing safety risks and threaten nearby fish-bearing streams.
The decommissioning project will focus on removing damaged infrastructure, restoring flood-damaged areas and stabilizing sections vulnerable to future landslides. The rail bed itself will remain in place, allowing the possibility of future trail use if local governments or community groups pursue restoration plans.
The Province estimates repairs to the severely damaged western section would cost about $5.1 million. That area was not included among the community’s highest priorities for restoration.
Heavy rain and flooding in November 2021 washed out portions of the trail, damaged bridges and culverts, and altered parts of the river channel. Engineering assessments concluded the entire corridor between Princeton and the Coquihalla Highway was significantly compromised.
Provincial estimates put the cost of repairing and maintaining the full 67-kilometre section at about $60 million, compared with about $20 million to decommission it safely.
Although the damaged corridor saw lower use than some other rail trails in B.C., it remains part of the Trans Canada Trail network and serves as a recreational and tourism asset for the Princeton area.
The Province said it remains open to discussing rerouting proposals that could maintain trail connections through the region.
