Lots of Progress on the Summerland Trans Canada Trail in 2005!

Summerland to Faulder

The trail west of Summerland to Faulder is completed now. The new trail section is scenic as it winds along the Trout Creek with benches (made by Geoff Solly) at strategic view spots.

Because we have to deal with an active tourist train along this route, there were lots of expenses for fencing, which still is not completed. But we are delighted that all the lock block walls are in along the creek so as to provide sufficient width for the trail between the railroad tracks and the creek.

The first part of this trail, close to the Prairie Valley Station, still needs some surface work to get rid of the soft spots, which are difficult for cyclists. We'll try to get at that next spring if we can raise sufficient funds.

Trout Creek Bridges

Trout Creek Bridge No. 1 before installation of walkway and railings.

Trout Creek Bridge No. 1 after installation of walkway and railings.

Trout Creek Bridge No. 2 after installation of decking and railings.

A huge plus is that the first bridge west of Faulder and near the Forest Service campsite (Trout Creek 2) is now completed, too: No more "goat trail" detour.

Our last bridge, moving westward toward Osprey Lake, isn't finished. We'll need about $105,000 to finish that. But there is a detour that isn't too difficult. We'll have to continue to fund raise for this bridge (mistakenly called Kathleen Creek bridge in the book, "Cycling the Kettle Valley Railway"), and for Trout Creek 1 at the Summerland Research Station.

We now have a handsome kiosk at the Summerland rodeo grounds. We may move our donors' board out there, too. Trout Creek 1 will also soon have a donors' board.

Trail Maintenance

Motorized high-speed traffic, weeds, vandalism and surface maintenance continue to be a challenge. Some of the railroad ballast from Faulder west has a washboard surface, but generally, it's in a decent passable condition. Edgar Kelbert and his wife have volunteered to patrol the trail weekly, pick up junk and remove rocks.

The Summerland Kinsmen donated $500 to our group for a sturdy industrial weed-eater. The weed-eater should help a lot. Cheers and thanks to the Kinsmen!

Spashy Spring Opening

We hope to have a splashy spring opening of the new trail in Summerland's 2006 centennial year. Keep posted for a date!

Marilyn Hansen
Summerland Trans Canada Trail Society

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