Sicamous Council Faces Urgent Financial Hurdles for Rail Trail

UPDATE: Major financial concerns are escalating for the Sicamous Council regarding the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail. During a crucial meeting on July 23, 2023, Coun. Gord Bushell expressed alarm over the skyrocketing costs associated with the rail trail, raising urgent questions about transparency and accountability in funding.

The costs have surged dramatically, with Sicamous now contributing $117,000 annually to the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD), a significant jump from the original $63,761. In stark contrast, nearby Enderby pays only $38,000. Bushell highlighted a troubling disparity: “There’s 10 kilometres in the CSRD and 40 kilometres in the North Okanagan Regional District,” he stated, emphasizing that Sicamous is shouldering approximately 30 percent of the total requisition for the rail trail, which currently stands at $392,000 and could reach a staggering $973,000.

Bushell’s concerns are compounded by the fact that no maintenance has occurred on the Sicamous trail since its construction. He pointed out that while Sicamous bears a heavy financial burden, Enderby actively maintains its trail, engaging in regular upkeep such as weed whacking. “We’re paying 30 percent, and it could get a lot more. I think we should be concerned,” he stressed.

Additionally, the lack of official parking and proper signage has created chaos for residents, as trail users are reportedly trespassing through private yards. “It’s our residents that are feeling the pain over there,” Bushell remarked, highlighting the urgency of addressing these community complaints.

Coun. Ian Baillie echoed Bushell’s sentiments, acknowledging the trail’s potential economic benefits but insisting on a thorough examination of its management and financial practices. “The transparency around it I think is also extremely concerning for me… I get worried as a business guy that you ask for financials a year ago and they’re still not here. That’s a bit of a red flag,” Baillie expressed.

Sicamous Council plans to present their financial concerns at the next Governance Advisory Committee (GAC) meeting, with a date yet to be announced. The community is keenly awaiting developments, as the council pushes for clarity and fairness in the management of the rail trail.

As this situation unfolds, residents and stakeholders in Sicamous are closely monitoring the council’s actions and the potential implications for local taxpayers. With the financial stakes high, the urgency for a resolution has never been more pressing.