Greater Vernon’s trail network is undergoing a major expansion. The provincial government is providing $71,800 to the Greater Vernon Services Committee to develop four new sections of the Grey Canal trail. “It will allow people to get out and enjoy the community,” said Tom Christensen, Okanagan Vernon MLA. The new sections will include 1,240 metres below The Rise development in Vernon, 660 metres on the north side of Turtle Mountain in Vernon, 800 metres on Cypress Drive in Coldstream and 1,000 metres from Deleenheer Road to Royal Volkswagen in the BX. “It’s not a continuous trail but these are significant pieces of it,” said Al McNiven, GVSC parks and recreation administrator, of the former irrigation canal sites. Along with the province’s funding, the GVSC has budgeted $72,000 and Kal Rotary has donated $15,000. The goal is to have the four new sections completed this year.
“They have some of the best views in this whole area,” said Gary Corner, GVSC chairman. Corner is convinced expanding the trail network is a priority for Greater Vernon residents. “It’s imperative to keep moving ahead with it,” he said. But large sections of the Gray Canal remain in private hands, and GVSC would need to acquire these properties. “It’s going to take time and money but we may pick up some pieces through development,” said Corner. That is also the view of McNiven, who eventually wants to have the entire length of the canal set aside for trail. “The goal is to have the canal trail continuous from above Kin Beach to Lavington,” he said. Christensen is often surprised at how popular the existing sections of the Grey Canal trail are with local residents and tourists. “It’s great to get out there and enjoy it,” he said.
“They have some of the best views in this whole area,” said Gary Corner, GVSC chairman. Corner is convinced expanding the trail network is a priority for Greater Vernon residents. “It’s imperative to keep moving ahead with it,” he said. But large sections of the Gray Canal remain in private hands, and GVSC would need to acquire these properties. “It’s going to take time and money but we may pick up some pieces through development,” said Corner. That is also the view of McNiven, who eventually wants to have the entire length of the canal set aside for trail. “The goal is to have the canal trail continuous from above Kin Beach to Lavington,” he said. Christensen is often surprised at how popular the existing sections of the Grey Canal trail are with local residents and tourists. “It’s great to get out there and enjoy it,” he said. 
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