SAVE THE RAIL TRAIL GREEN SPACE
Welcome
The Rail Trail Green Space Association works to protect and support the Mill Creek green space at the bottom of Dilworth Mountain, along the Rail Trail in Kelowna, BC.
Our goal is to help people— nature lovers, cyclists, runners and others — enjoy. and connect with, this part of the trail, so it can stay a natural and green place for everyone.
What the City Plans To Do
The city wants to put a two-lane road through the Rail Trail corridor. See the design sketches / website links below. The road is called the "Clement Extension" or the "Highway 33 Multi-Modal Corridor". The road will go from Spall to Highway 33 (two kilometres). There will still be a bike path, but it will have to be moved to make way for the road, and the wetlands will be destroyed. There will also be a couple of tall retaining walls cut into Dilworth Mountain.
Images of the plan for the new road.
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above: cross-section showing retaining wall, two lanes of traffic, green strip, rail trail, sidewalk
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top right: sketch showing the approximate route from Spall to Highway 33
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right: design sketch close-up of segment from the Grist Mill to just past the Mill Creek flood control station
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below: design sketch close-up of segment from the Mill Creek flood control station to Highway 33
Note that the road is wider near the roundabouts (up to 5 lanes), then narrows down to 2 lanes between these intersections.
Why are they doing this?
The city and province think that this will lead to less traffic congestion.
Reasons the Clement extension is a BAD IDEA !
The cost is just nuts (considering the little we are getting for it)
The project is estimated to cost at least $135 million, more than double the cost of the other transportation projects planned.
It won't give us what is promised (more roads eventually just mean more traffic)
Studies suggest that rather than relieving congestion, the project will quickly induce more traffic which undermines its effectiveness as a long-term solution to congestion. The process of new roads creating more traffic is called "induced demand". It's a little like free cookies: If someone shows up with free cookies, lots of people will eat cookies that they wouldn't have eaten otherwise, and may not even really want.
Greenspaces are good (especially if there is a river already there!)
The new road will destroy wetlands and damage sensitive ecological areas around Mill Creek. It directly undermines Kelowna's stated goals with respect to climate adaptation and urban forest growth. Among mid-sized Canadian cities that have lost green space, Kelowna tops the list, and it is one of the hotter cities in the country. This means that every remaining green space is critical for livability, and climate adaptation. The Rail Trail green space is particularly important, as it includes a creek and wetlands. The Rail Trail and surrounding green space support mental wellness, reduce pollution and noise, and make the city more enjoyable for everyone, every day.
Greenspaces with long bike/walking paths are even better!
Building better bike paths helps everyone. It keeps people active, improves mental health, and can prevent some long-term illnesses. It also makes roads less crowded and safer for both bikers and drivers. Bike-friendly areas help local shops, make homes worth more, and save money on road repairs. Riding a bike is also a cheap way to get around, especially for people who can’t drive or can't afford a car.
It'll pave over history; culture needs protection
The area around Mill Creek is part of the traditional territory of the Westbank First Nation, and has cultural significance. Brent's Grist Mill Heritage Park is also a key part of Kelowna’s history and an important local landmark.
People Enjoy the Path as it is! - Just look at what people are saying about it!
What's being said about the trail
Take Action
And finally ... come and join us!
Rail Trail 10 year Anniversary Celebration
June 01, 2025
1 pm - 4 pm
Kelowna, on the Rail Trail between Hardy St and Dilworth ave
part of Kelowna's Go By Bike Week
OUR PARTNERS
We are proud to collaborate with various organizations and businesses that share our vision for a greener and more sustainable future. Together with our partners, we work towards enhancing the natural beauty of Kelowna and supporting initiatives that benefit the local environment.
Kelowna Tree Protectors
Kelowna Cycling Coalition
Okanagan Climate Hub
Kelowna Climate Coaltition
Get in Touch
Save the Rail Trail Green Space Assn.
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada