Agenda Package - City of Vernon

200e Bt7 RAILS WITH TRAILS
Kelowna
Vernon
WHEREAS railway dedication or rights of way in urban areas provide excellent opportunities
to develop multi-use pathways or trails for alternate, active and "green" transportation;
AND WHEREAS feasibility studies have shown that these multi-use pathways can be
developed safely so as not to cause significant conflicts with the routine operation of the rail
system;
AND WHEREAS the development of off-road multi-use pathways for non-motorized vehicles
is in the interest of all levels of governments to reduce motor vehicle use, improve the health
of Canadian citizens and reduce emissions from transportation which contributes to climate
change;
AND WHEREAS these multi-use pathways on active rail corridors are referred to as
Rails-with-Trails corridors :
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial and federal goveTnments be asked to
support joint-use agreements with railway companies for Rails-with-Trails corridors;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the federal government be asked to undertake
legislative amendments to the Cnnadian Trønsportation Act to recognize the need for parallel
rail rights of way and authonze provincial and local
dian Transportation Agency, in absence of agreement with
to place trails within rail rights of way.
CONVENTION DECISION: ENDORSED
PROVINCIAL RESPONSE
MINISTRY OF TOARISM, CULTIIRE,4.ND THE ARTS
Rails with Trøils dtffers ftom
rnil rights of way.
'Rails to Trøils' projects by aligning transportation trails within actioe
The City of Kelowna receioed funding from the LocalMotion Proainciøl program which allowed
construction of the first phase of ø Rails with Trails Project in cooperation with CN Rnil. The Ministry
of Transportntion and Infrastructure announced its commitment to cost shnre the design and
construction of Phase 3 of the project
The Proaínce supports inter-goaernment colløboration on deaeloping a sustainable recreation ønd
transportation trail nefwork in B.C. as described in the draft Trøils Strøtegy for BC. Proaincial support
for Rails with Trøils would be considered where all parties are in agreement ønd the trøil cøn safely be
accommodøted along the røil corridor.
Prior to supporting a request to the Federal gooernment for ømendments to the Canada Transportøtion
Act, the Proaince would require a more detøiled examinntion of the effectiaeness of any proposed
ømendments.
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