The Province is working closely with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS), the town of Princeton and the Trans Canada Trail organization to explore targeted repairs along a damaged 67-kilometre section of the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail between Princeton and the Coquihalla Highway.

Decommissioning work will begin in summer 2026 in one of the most heavily damaged areas.

The regional district submitted a list to the Province requesting repairs to four high-priority segments of the damaged trail. After working with engineers to estimate costs and consider eligibility for federal funding, the Province has agreed to consider repairing three of the four segments requested: the bridge west of Princeton and access to both Parr Tunnel and Whitesands Beach.

However, the final decisions depend on approval of B.C.’s revised business case for federal funding, and confirmation that long-term maintenance costs will be covered by the RDOS. The RDOS is currently considering long-term maintenance plans and budgets for the three segments being considered for repair. A board decision is expected at the end of 2026.

Decommissioning heavily damaged section will begin in summer

In the meantime, work to decommission affected sections along a 17-km segment from the most western extent of the KVR Trail (near Coquihalla Lakes) to near Brookmere will begin in summer 2026 and is expected to take as long as a year to complete. The tender will be posted on BC Bid on Friday, June 19.