Parking concerns are springing up with the increasing popularity of the Okanagan Rail Trail at the north end of the trail in Coldstream.
The arrival of spring on Monday and warmer weather is drawing more and more people out to use the trail for walking, cycling and running. But limited places to park at the trail head means nearby roads are clogging up with vehicles - causing issues for residents and nearby facilities.
“The Kalamalka Country Club, as an owner of property adjacent to the new trail, is concerned that use of the trail doesn’t conflict with the use of our property,” said club president Don Seaton.
“We celebrate the recreational possibilities offered by the trail. However the municipalities must supply adequate parking, garbage and recycling receptacles, and public washrooms. These amenities can not fall on the shoulders of adjacent property owners.”
Coldstream is hoping to address the issue with the recently acquired lot between Dutch’s Campground and the Alpine Centre, and work will begin this year to clear the site.
The area that could currently be converted to a parking facility is approximately 4,500m2 in size and would allow for approximately 130 parking stalls. Coldstream had set aside $300,000 in the 2017 budget for site works in the area.
But the majority of those accessing the trail are, and will, park in the Westkal Road/Kickwillie Loop area and Mile 88, as they are the easy entry points to the rail trail. As the weather becomes warmer, parking will become even more congested on Westkal as the Kalamalka Country Club opens for the season.
The club has its own parking lot, but during the busy summer months it fills up quickly and street parking is necessary to accommodate all members.
There has also been discussion through a North Okanagan Regional District initiative that parking might become available at the Kal Lake Lookout and along the former provincial highway.
But for now Coldstream is focused on the Kalamalka Road property.