The Province will be working with the District of Summerland and area trail-advocacy groups to construct the Summerland Lakeshore Pathway, the newest addition to Summerland’s trail system.

The Province and the District of Summerland have jointly announced their plans to improve the local trail system, an important route for cyclists and pedestrians providing commuting, recreational and economic opportunities.

The Province is contributing $420,000 and the District of Summerland is contributing $80,000 toward the estimated $500,000 cost of the one-kilometre trail located adjacent to Highway 97 between Lakeshore Drive and Illahie Beach.

Engineering design work has been initiated for this separated pathway along the lakeside, providing pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorized vehicle users an alternative and more sustainable travel option between the Illahie Beach area and the community via Lakeshore Drive.

Working with the partners, the Province anticipates construction of the trail could start as early as spring of 2015. Development of this trail improves safety and meets the partners’ common goal of creating accessible communities.