Trans Canada Trail Statement on the Decommissioning of a 67-km Section of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail

Trans Canada Trail is aware of the Province of British Columbia’s decision to permanently deactivate a 67-kilometre section of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail between Princeton and the Coldwater River, following the significant impacts of the November 2021 atmospheric river event.

We recognize the serious environmental, safety and infrastructure challenges associated with this corridor. At the same time, the permanent loss of a section of the Trans Canada Trail without a viable alternative in place is not an acceptable outcome for the Trail or for the communities that rely on it for connection, recreation and local economic development.

Trans Canada Trail’s priority is to ensure the long-term quality and connection of the national trail network. This means working collaboratively with governments, local trail partners, Indigenous communities, and other community members to identify and resource a safe, sustainable reroute or replacement that maintains connectivity in the region.

At nearly 30,000 kilometres, the Trans Canada Trail stretches from coast to coast to coast. It was built over decades through collaboration, shared stewardship and a commitment to connection. Each section – particularly long-standing, celebrated corridors like the Kettle Valley Rail Trail – supports local communities while contributing to infrastructure of national significance. The loss of a critical link in a network of this scale would be deeply felt by trail users, communities and partners who have invested in the Trail as a lasting public asset.

Determining whether rebuilding the existing trail is possible falls within the government’s scope of responsibility. For this reason, Trans Canada Trail urges the Province to announce funding to plan and develop alternative trail routing that will serve communities, while meeting provincial sustainability requirements, and preserving the continuity of the Trans Canada Trail.

We remain committed to constructive dialogue and to advocating for the investment and collaboration needed to deliver a path forward that reflects local priorities, respects environmental realities and maintains a continuous, connected Trans Canada Trail.

Mathieu Roy
CEO, Trans Canada Trail