Armstrong trail to be built in memory of murdered teen

By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 13, 2012 4:00 PM

Some good is coming out of an Armstrong tragedy.  The City of Armstrong, in partnership with the Van Diest family and the cooperation of Kelowna Pacific Railway, has announced the creation of the Taylor Jade Van Diest Memorial Trail. The pathway will be built in memory of 18-year-old Taylor Van Diest, who was murdered in the city Halloween night 2011. “The Van Diest family initiated discussions with Kelowna Pacific Railway to seek permission to buil a walking path within the railway corridor between Rosedale Avenue and Pleasant Valley Road,” said Armstrong Mayor Chris Pieper. “The family approached council with their plan and we unanimously agreed. We understand the need of the family to heal after the tragic loss of Taylor, and for the community to move forward after the tragedy that took place.” The Van Diest family will be solely responsible for the construction of the trail, including the management of donated goods and services. Taylor's uncle, Paul Albert, will be the project's general contractor. Talks with the railway continue but the Van Diests hope to get started on building the trail as soon as possible. See Wednesday's Morning Star for more details...