OLIVER — The Regional District of Okanagan-Simialkeem (RDOS) wants to acquire the old Kettle Valley right of way, as part of a valley-wide plan to build a trail that connects the south and north Okanagan. But this plan is stirring controversy in Oliver because the town already has an existing path and residents say it could easily be used for the same purpose.
“I was astounded that they’re still thinking of doing this. We have this beautiful bike path here and just over there, they want to build another one,” says resident Kathy Malmberg.
Another resident, Rick Machial, says he’s concerned a second trail will cause property crimes to spike because some sections carve through people’s orchards and close to people’s homes.
“We don’t want avenues for people to look into people’s backyards and come in at night to create vandalism and theft,” explains Machial.
The local director for the RDOS, Terry Shafer, says the majority of people are against the plan.
Shafer says he doesn’t object to the RDOS seeking tenure over the KVR for future projects, but not for this specific one, when there’s already a path.
RDOS staff are researching the proposal further and an update is likely to be provided at next month’s meeting.
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