Local politicians are being warned that simply opening up the Okanagan Rail Trail isn害羞草研究所檛 enough.
Alan Gatzke, an Oyama businessperson, told the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee Thursday that a governance model is needed to operate and market the recreational corridor from Coldstream to Kelowna.
害羞草研究所淎ll of us are in this together and all of us want the trail to be as much as it can be,害羞草研究所� he said.
害羞草研究所淭here害羞草研究所檚 a vacuum in governance moving forward.害羞草研究所�
Based on observations of New Zealand害羞草研究所檚 trail networks, Gatzke is suggesting a not-for-profit society be formed locally.
害羞草研究所淚t creates the foundation for branding, marketing, economic development and tourism opportunities while sustaining and improving the trail,害羞草研究所� said the former Lake Country councillor.
害羞草研究所淚t improves communication between operators, users, the public and government.害羞草研究所�
Gatzke is concerned that the jurisdictions that purchased the corridor are veering off in different directions, including Kelowna closing off the trail until it is developed while Lake Country and the Regional District of North Okanagan are letting it be used.
害羞草研究所淭here are inconsistencies,害羞草研究所� he said.
害羞草研究所淲ithout some cohesive governance model in place, there will be public confusion. It害羞草研究所檚 important that the trail be named and that name be registered.害羞草研究所�
After hearing from Gatzke, GVAC members admitted that his concept needs further consideration.
害羞草研究所淲e have a raw product and we have to determine what we do with it. This gives us a lot of food for thought,害羞草研究所� said Catherine Lord, director.
害羞草研究所淲hat you害羞草研究所檙e suggesting is it害羞草研究所檚 more than a trail, it害羞草研究所檚 marketing. What害羞草研究所檚 our role in that?害羞草研究所� added director Mike Macnabb.
RDNO will be meeting with Kelowna, Lake Country and the Okanagan Indian Band to discuss corridor issues, but Juliette Cunningham, GVAC chairperson, says another partner must also be involved in the process.
害羞草研究所淲e have to give the public an opportunity for their vision,害羞草研究所� she said.
