The Board of Directors has approved funding through the RDNO Greater Vernon Trails and Natural Spaces Project Grant Program for 2025, including projects from the North Okanagan Cycling Society, Friends of the Okanagan Rail Trail Society, and North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club.
The RDNO awards annual grant funding to community organizations intending to undertake projects that feature publicly accessible additions and/or improvements to trails or natural spaces to benefit users and Greater Vernon residents. Three applications have been selected to receive funding.
The North Okanagan Cycling Society project involves the rehabilitation and construction of a multi-use biking and hiking trail at Vernon Hill. Once complete, this trail system will also extend the new RDNO Coldstream Ranchlands Trail. This project aligns with RDNO priorities of expanding and further connecting North Okanagan communities via trails throughout the region. Funding has been awarded in the amount of $50,000.
The Friends of the Okanagan Rail Trail Society has received funding for the installation of a three-tier signage kiosk at the Kekuli Bay trail entrance. As one of the more popular access points, the addition of further wayfinding signage will improve user experience, assist visitors in learning expectations for trail safety and etiquette, and provide a trail overview and map. Funding has been awarded in the amount of $5,000.
The approved North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club project will continue habitat restoration projects at the Swan Lake Nature Reserve. The project includes enhancing native plantings like grasses and herbaceous plants to help restore original vegetation. It also includes replacing birding perching poles, installing updated signage, and installation of benches.
"We are thrilled to announce the awarding of grant funding to these outstanding organizations dedicated to enhancing our region's trails and natural spaces”, stated Ian Wilson, RDNO General Manager of Strategic and Community Services. “These projects are not just about improving physical infrastructure; they are about enriching the lives of our community members. Investing in the benefits of these improvements will extend far beyond the trails themselves and create a positive impact throughout our community."
If you have an innovative trail project that would benefit the region, please visit www.rdno.ca/grants. The intake for 2026 projects will reopen in the fall.
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For media inquiries:
Stacey Raftus, Communications Officer
communications@rdno.ca