The DCA received an email requesting information on what the city is doing about the Rivers Trail to Dallas and timelines for completion.  Also requested was information about plans for a paved bike lane or safe passage between Dallas and the City Centre.

2008-06-09

Further comment from Milt Stanley, DCA Director:

The impediments to a Rivers Trail along the South Thompson are historic, dating back to decisions made when Valleyview and Dallas were municipalities, before joining the City of Kamloops.  Hence commercial interests in Valleyview and private homes in Dallas currently own the property rights to high water mark for most of the way along the South Thompson.  

The only way for the City to procure a "Rivers" trail would be to expropriate property from existing owners along the river shore.  This is very unlikely, as property owners would certainly challenge this.

The City is trying for a corridor through the street system as an alternative.  As noted in Mr. Zeeban's note below, the first impediment to overcome is the Valleyview overpass.  There is currently a bike/pedestrian corridor from the overpass through to and including the Orchard Walk property development.

The next impediment is the Pineridge Golf Course property, which has recently sold (March, 2008).  If this property is developed for residential homes by the new owner, the city will negotiate for sidewalk/bike path connections.  If the new owners keep it as a golf course, a continuous corridor to downtown Kamloops still eludes us, for the forseeable future.

For mountain biker enthusiasts, there is a trail connection between Barnhartvale and Juniper Ridge, following the Terasen Gas right-of-way for the most part.  It is a bit rough at present, especially at the Juniper Ridge end, but it does provide a connection between the two communities.
 

2008-06-08

Response received from Greg Zeeban, Parks & Facilities Manager, City of Kamloops

Text of message follows:  The rivers trail committee still meets. The main objective, right now, is to find a way for pedestrians and bikes through the Valleyview overpass. The transportation division has construction drawings in the works that will hopefully address the issue once and for all. The project will be a million plus so the rest of the trail is going to have to wait. ( only so much funds). The Jemiva piece will be worked on in 2010 or so. The main obstacles are still the river lots in Valleyview and Dallas and how to get around them. Hope this answers your questions.

2008-01-14
The letter is sent.  Awaiting a response.

2007-12-06
This item is discussed during the general meeting.  A decision is made to send a letter to the City of Kamloops requesting the information.

2007-12-06
Initial email is received.