Lyonel Doherty

Times-Chronicle

A proposed hike/bike trail along the west side of Vaseux Lake is prompting environmental concerns by the Vaseux Lake Stewardship Association.

Chair Norm Gaumont noted the trail in question on the old KVR rail bed poses a significant risk to endangered birds and wildlife. He also said it flies in the face of a previous government report that recommends an alternate route on the east side of the lake.

Gaumont pointed to a 2018 environmental feasibility study prepared for the B.C. government outlining the impacts that such a trail would have on endangered species and sensitive habitats.

He noted the study consulted with biologists and other key stakeholders before recommending a bike route along Highway 97 on the east side of the lake, away from sensitive areas such as nesting sites.

But Gaumont said the regional district is putting forward a proposal to establish the path on the west side. He stated this new proposal failed to consult with key stakeholders even though a “decision was made to move the bike path through a sensitive bird and wildlife refuge.”

Gaumont said the trail will attract a large number of people, especially during spring and summer months when stress on wildlife increases. 

“While the proposal says hikers and cyclists must remain on the railway bed and not venture into federally protected areas adjacent to the bike trails, it will be impossible to totally stop people from going off trails.”

Regional director Ron Obirek (Electoral Area D) said there is a long history behind this massive trail system. He noted that 25 years ago the province re-acquired the right to the trail on the west side of the lake for the benefit of hikers and cyclists.

Obirek said the long-term visionary goal is to get all of these trails connected for the benefit of everyone, including tourism.

But the director did acknowledge the environmental uniqueness of Vaseux Lake, pointing out issues such as siltation, milfoil and water quality.

He also noted the sensitive bird sanctuary and the challenge to get man and nature to co-exist in this area.

Obirek suggested building an elevated trail structure to minimize the impact on the surrounding environment. Signage is another idea he suggested.

The fact is most people don’t come here with the intent of harming the environment, he said.

When asked about putting the trail on the east side of the lake, Obirek didn’t jump on that bandwagon. 

“The idea of going on the east side is problematic, it’s a narrow road and dangerous . . . adding bikes and pedestrian traffic is not a good option.”

Area C director Rick Knodel said he favours the alternate route on the east side along some of the vineyards. 

He noted the potential conflict on the west side with the Thomas ranch land. The other concern is the disruption of snake habitat, he pointed out.

East or west, both regional directors don’t see the trail being established anytime soon.

Obirek said he supports the process of gathering the necessary input from the public and area stakeholders.

Janice Liebe, president of the trail advocacy group called Trail of the Okanagans, said biologists who have studied the area in question found that it is entirely possible for trails to co-mingle with wildlife habitat through proper design.

“We agree that a careful design approach is required and we would expect that this would be vetted by many prior to actual approval of the trail to advance. We care about the habitat, too,” Liebe said.  

She noted that a study found the railbed to be in excellent condition with exposed gravels, and that the habitat is functioning with the trail there. 

Liebe said what is often left out of the conversation is that there is no room for a safe, fully-protected from traffic trail on the east side. 

“What would the environmental impact be of building into Vaseux Lake for a trail or carving out the cliffs?” 

(Richard McGuire file photo)