Urgent Closure of Kettle Valley Railway Trail Due to Sinkholes

UPDATE: The Penticton Indian Band (PIB) has just announced an urgent closure of a 32-kilometre section of the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) trail due to dangerous sinkholes and rockfalls. This popular trail, stretching from Summerland to Kaleden in British Columbia, is now deemed unsafe for hikers and cyclists.

Recent severe weather has exacerbated existing erosion issues along the trail, which offers breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding landscapes. Authorities confirm that several parts of the trail are now “severely compromised, impassable, and unsafe for any form of public use,” according to PIB Chief Greg Gabriel.

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The risks are far too great for anyone to be on this trail. We are asking everyone to respect this closure so that no one is put in harm’s way,”

Gabriel urged, emphasizing the need for safety among both community members and visitors.

The closure follows a concerning assessment by PIB officials, revealing multiple sinkholes up to 15 feet deep in the northern section. James Pepper, director of natural resources for the PIB, highlighted that the trail has hidden dangers, including rotting wooden trestles beneath the surface. “At some point in time, they were buried rather than removed, and now they’re starting to rot,” Pepper explained.

Adding to the hazards, a large boulder—approximately the size of a car—recently fell from a cliff, blocking parts of the trail near Kaleden. “This section is incredibly unsafe. It needs proper rock scaling, so we’ve closed the trail because of these two significant issues,” Pepper stated.

Despite ongoing warnings and “no trespass” signs, unauthorized access to the trail has continued. In response, the PIB is deploying personnel to monitor the area closely and enforce the closure.

The future of this section of the KVR trail remains uncertain. “We need to have a restoration plan,” Pepper noted, stressing the complexity of removing the trestles and boulders. Collaboration with various trail organizations, including the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and Trans Canada Trail, will be crucial for any potential repairs.

While the PIB has been actively maintaining the trail, the estimated costs for restoration are expected to be significant. “There are many benefits to PIB to keeping the trail open. It’s a beautiful trail. We just need to fix it up,” Pepper concluded.

This closure affects not only local hikers and cyclists but also tourists who flock to the area for its scenic beauty. As the situation develops, further updates from the Penticton Indian Band are anticipated.

Stay tuned for more urgent updates on the Kettle Valley Railway trail situation as officials work towards a resolution.