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UBCM delegates endorse rail resolution

A made-in-the-Shuswap resolution for the B.C. government to take ownership of abandoned rail corridors received unanimous support
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Darrell Trouton

By Lachlan Labere and
Tracy Huges,
Market News Staff

A made-in-the-Shuswap resolution for the B.C. government to take ownership of abandoned rail corridors received unanimous support at this year’s Union of BC Municipalities convention.

During this annual gathering of local government representatives, held Sept. 22 to 26 in Whistler, Sicamous Coun. Terry Rysz presented the resolution that the province “facilitate public acquisition and ownership of abandoned transportation corridors,” and that the B.C. government work with UBCM to develop a funding mechanism  such as a province-wide parcel tax, to help governments or community groups purchase and maintain corridors for public recreational use.

The resolution was prompted from a June 25 meeting between the mayors of Vernon, Armstrong, Sicamous, and representatives from Sicamous council, the Splatsin, the Columbia Shuswap and North Okanagan regional districts and the Shuswap Trail Alliance, where retention of the rail right of way between Sicamous and Armstrong was discussed.

The result was a resolution by the District of Sicamous that originally called upon UBCM to become the owner of abandoned railways. This wording, however, was not supported by the UBCM executive, which resulted in a last-minute rewording, as well as some lobbying, with assistance by CSRD director and outgoing UBCM president Rhona Martin.

Sicamous Mayor Darrell Trouton said the amended resolution was approved by his fellow delegates without question.

“It should be a provincial initiative and it would be fabulous for international travellers,” said Trouton, adding the province’s support would also help preserve the abandoned corridors for possible future transportation needs.

While it wasn’t Salmon Arm’s resolution, Mayor Nancy Cooper says this felt like a victory for all the mayors from Vernon to Sicamous and Salmon Arm because of the potential tourism benefits from such trails to the entire region.

“I’d never really felt like a lobbyist before, but that’s what all the mayors were out doing. Drumming up support from other areas of the province to vote in favour. It was great to see all the mayors come together on this,” said Cooper.

Also successful was the District of Sicamous resolution to amend the Mines Act to require a permit applicant to confirm the proposed mining activity is in an area where it would be permitted under the local official community plan. This resolution, presented by Coun. Don Richardson, also received unanimous support.

Another highlight for Trouton was a meeting with Transportation Minister Todd Stone and discussion relating to the Bruhn Bridge. Prior to the meeting, Trouton said he received a phone call from the ministry and was told that a planning committee was being struck for the bridge.

Salmon Arm representatives also met with the Transportation Minister regarding ongoing concerns about the Trans-Canada Highway, including four-laning projects and the planed upgrades to the Salmon River Bridge.

There has been some discussion of the preliminary plans with affected property owners; however, Stone stressed the plans are preliminary.

“He told us they are still looking for input,” said Cooper. “And they intend to bring the plans forward to a public open house.”

Salmon Arm Coun. Debbie Cannon said the process will likely be lengthy before construction can begin.

“There’s a lot of private property in those plans that would have to be acquired – I just don’t see it happening anytime soon.”

Cooper said DeMille’s Farm Market, who previously donated land for the creation of a left-turn lane, have had their concerns noted.

“There will be a balance between community needs with safety concerns. The biggest thing we heard is that the plans are still in the early stages.”