Splatsin Confirms Farmers’ Access on Shuswap Rail Trail Amid Concerns

URGENT UPDATE: The Splatsin Development Corp. (SDC) has just confirmed that farmers will continue to have access across the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail (SNORT), addressing ongoing concerns from local agricultural landowners. As the trail attracts enthusiastic users this summer, the SDC is working to clarify access rights for farmers who have raised questions about crossing the trail corridor.

KEY DETAILS: SDC CEO Grahame Go stated that farmers have always had the right to cross the trail to reach their fields. “Farm access has never been denied,” Go emphasized in a recent media release. He explained that several landowners have obtained free agricultural crossing permits, which ensure safety and liability coverage for farm equipment, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Despite these assurances, some property owners are demanding permanent easements that could jeopardize the trail’s public use. Go insisted that the SDC and regional partners have already offered registered easements at historic access points, but some requests would transform the public trail into private driveways or commercial spaces. “Those requests go well beyond fair use and would compromise a community amenity built for everyone,” he stated.

The SDC has also noted existing permits for farm market stands along the trail, allowing producers to sell their goods without obstructing public access. Go highlighted that out of more than 100 Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) properties adjacent to the trail, the majority have effective solutions in place. “Roughly nine landowners – less than 10 percent of those directly adjacent – are objecting,” he added, pointing out that over 90 percent of neighbors support the project.

Farmers like Mike Steiner express frustration over the situation, stating, “This is public land, intended to benefit the whole community. It’s time for decision-makers to prioritize the public interest over the demands of a select few.” He criticized the delays caused by a small group of farmers, emphasizing that the community had previously agreed to increase property taxes to purchase the abandoned rail line for public use.

Once completed, the SNORT is expected to strengthen community connections, enhance tourism, and foster reconciliation between the Splatsin and local residents. Go referred to the project as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” that will deliver long-term benefits for farmers, residents, and visitors alike.

WHAT’S NEXT: The SDC pledges to continue working with local farmers to address their concerns while advancing the trail’s development. The collaboration between the Splatsin, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, and the Regional District of North Okanagan is critical to ensuring that the public trail remains accessible to all community members.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the SDC navigates these challenges while prioritizing the needs of the wider community.