Community Alert – Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR)
Dear Community Members,
We are reaching out with an urgent update regarding a major decision by the Government of British Columbia that affects the future of the historic Kettle Valley Rail Trail, a vital recreational, historical, and economic asset for southern British Columbia.
Provincial Press Release — Decommissioning Notice
On February 6, 2026, the Ministry of Environment and Parks announced that it will begin decommissioning a 67-kilometre section of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail in the region near Princeton that has been closed since heavy rain and flooding in November 2021 caused extensive damage to the trail infrastructure.
According to the official press release:
- The trail section between Princeton and the Coquihalla Highway has suffered serious washouts, failed culverts, damaged trestles, and changes in watercourses since the 2021 atmospheric river event.
- Repair and long-term maintenance costs were estimated at roughly $60 million, but infrastructure complexities and remote terrain factored into the decision to decommission rather than restore.
- The decommissioning process is expected to begin in spring 2026 and take up to two to three years.
- The Province notes that an alternative route on existing local roads is available so trail users can continue to access other parts of the larger Trans-Canada Trail network.
This decision was made without prior direct consultation with local communities — despite longstanding expectations for engagement on the trail’s future.
Tulameen Community Club Response
The Tulameen Community Club has issued a statement expressing deep concern regarding the sudden announcement and the lack of meaningful consultation before this decision was made.
From the Club’s letter:
“For years after the 2021 atmospheric river and intense flooding, community leaders and residents have been eagerly awaiting an opportunity to engage in open discussions regarding the future of the KVR. Instead, this abrupt decision has left many feeling ignored and disheartened. We firmly believe that the government has a responsibility to listen to the voices of those it affects.”
“Community consultation is not just a formality; it is a critical component of democratic governance and community well-being. We welcome any opportunity for discussion and collaboration to address this situation. We are happy to offer the Tulameen Community Hall as a public meeting space and invite the Minister to meet with us at the earliest possible opportunity.”
(The full club letter you provided.)
This reflects shared sentiments from Princeton’s mayor and many residents that the decision was unexpected and came without adequate local engagement.
Call to Action — Sign the Petition
In response to this decision, a petition has been launched to ask the Minister of Environment and Parks to pause the decommissioning process and engage in meaningful consultation with local communities, trail users, and other stakeholders directly impacted by the decision.
Why this matters:
- The petition emphasizes that the KVR is not merely a trail but an important recreational, historical, and economic asset.
- It stresses the need to explore alternatives, including phased repairs, partnerships, and stewardship models that could preserve public access and enable future restoration.
Sign the petition here:
https://www.change.org/p/save-the-kvr
How to sign and share the petition
- Click or paste the link above into your browser.
- On the petition page, locate the “Sign Petition” button (typically on the right-hand side).
- You’ll be prompted to enter your name, email address, and postal code — this helps verify your signature on Change.org.
- Once signed, share the petition with friends, family, and community groups via email, social media, or local networks to help build momentum.
As of now, thousands of people have already signed — but reaching stronger public support before delivery to decision-makers makes the petition more impactful.
Thank You for Taking Action
Your voice matters — especially on issues that shape the future of our region and reflect our shared values of heritage, recreation, rural economic well-being, and community voice.
Please consider signing and sharing the petition today, and stay tuned for further community updates.
Sincerely,
Mardi Hassell
President
Tulameen Community Club