The Similkameen Trail is set to finally be completed after the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen approved funding for the final stretch.
The RDOS board of directors voted unanimously and without discussion on May 23, to approve the use of $32,000 in gas tax money to finish off the trail.
The section the funds will go towards was the subject of land negotiations for a number of years.
The project as a whole, to convert the former rail line to a non-motorized trail stretching from Keremeos through Cawston, began work in 2021.
After the project began, two different properties were the subject of negotiations with the Ministry of Transportation over historical encroachment onto the under-utilized Crown Land.
READ MORE: Similkameen Trail closer to connecting Cawston and Keremeos
The last negotiations recently wrapped up, according to the RDOS’ report to the board.
Work to convert the rail line into a trail so far has included surfacing, a new bridge over Keremeos Creek, and fencing in stretches.
The recently approved funding will cover fencing, trail development, and other maintenance of the trail.
A timeline to complete the project was not included in the report to the RDOS board.