The Province of British Columbia has decided to decommission approximately 67 km of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR) between the Town of Princeton and the Coquihalla. This section forms part of the Trans Canada Trail network. Decommissioning this corridor would permanently eliminate public access and preclude future restoration of this historic, regionally significant trail.

We, the undersigned, oppose this decision and respectfully request that the Minister of Environment and Parks pause the decommissioning process and undertake meaningful consultation with the local communities, user groups, and stakeholders directly affected.

The KVR is an important recreational, historical, and economic asset. It supports tourism, local businesses, outdoor recreation, and public access to natural spaces, while preserving a key piece of British Columbia’s transportation and settlement history. Its removal from the Trans-Canada Trail represents a permanent loss not only to the region but also to the broader provincial and national trail network.

We recognize the financial constraints currently facing the Province. However, we believe that the future of the KVR does not present a black-and-white choice between full repair and abandonment. We respectfully request that the Province collaborate with local communities and stakeholders to explore alternative solutions, including phased repairs, partnerships, and community-based stewardship models.

We urge the Minister to ensure that decisions of this magnitude are made transparently and in collaboration with those who live, work, and recreate in the affected region.