The multi-purpose path is within the right of way of Highway 97 but cyclists and hikers will be shielded from traffic by heavy concrete barriers. The path is being constructed on the lake side of the highway, slightly below the roadsa国际传媒 elevation, and will afford spectacular views.听
But the path will have a steep elevation, eventually rising almost 120 metres in height from lake level to Seclusion Bay, where it will connect with trails in Goatsa国际传媒 Peak regional park.听
Federal and provincial funding totalling almost $800,000, along with a municipal contribution of $300,000 from a council reserve, are being tapped to make the project a reality. The path has long been advocated by the Trails of the Okanagan society.听
鈥淎nd so it begins!鈥 society members posted on their website earlier this week as earth-moving crews began building up the steep embankment to a flatter width that can support the path. The society has a long-term goal of seeing a 370-km-long hiking and biking trail built from Sicamous to Brewster, WA.
鈥淎lthough currently fragmented, a linear and biking pathway in large part already exists from Osoyoos to sa国际传媒,鈥 the group says. 鈥淎pproximately 75 per cent of the route is cyclable now and a third of that is suitable for all ages and abilities.鈥
The gap between West sa国际传媒 and Peachland was considered especially problematic, however, as riding or walking along the narrow shoulder of the two-lane stretch of Highway 97 is particularly unpleasant.听
鈥(This path) will provide a safe, protected multi-use pathway, allowing essential active transportation between the two communities,鈥 states a town release issued Tuesday.听
A second 鈥渢op up鈥 grant application of $500,000 will be submitted by the town to complete the new pathsa国际传媒 construction between the intersection of Highway 97 and Buchanan Road to Seclusion Bay, Mayor Patrick Van Minsel said at this weeksa国际传媒 council meeting.听
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