On Monday, Sept. 15th a crew from Kootenay Complete Tree works will be coming in to work on opening up the tree canopy over and beside the Rail Trail. Opening the canopy above allows the snow to fall on the trail which has grown over the Rail Trail. This will mostly be removing the lower bows and this will help with grooming the Trail for winter skiing. They will also be removing smaller trees and vegetation that are encroaching and slowly degrading the treadpath. All work will be taking place within 3 to 5 m of the centre of the treadpath. The work may take up to ten days at varying locations on the Trail. We will provide updates as needed. The first area we are planning to work on is between Lemon Creek and Gravel Pit Rd (just south of the Village of Slocan). We are planning to keep the Trail open, but trail users must use the following guidelines to continue enjoying our Rail Trail:

When approaching the crew, stop and wait until they acknowledge that you are there. They will stop working and let you know when it is safe to pass. There may be debris on the trail which will need to be cleared, so be prepared for possible delays.

We began this project around 5 years ago and now have the funding to continue on another section of the Trail. We ask for your patience and understanding.

SEPTEMBER 2ND- Daryl is going to start to resurface a small stretch of Trail north of Passmore today. As well, a culvert is being replaced north of the Vallican Bluffs. You may find delays, so please use caution and make sure the operators know you’re there.

Starting Sept. 2nd, four damaged culverts will be getting repaired along our Trail by DHC Communications. The culverts are located between the Vallican Bluffs and Slocan. The Trail will remain open, but there may be delays. Flag people will be on site. Please use caution and make sure that they know you are there. Thanks for your understanding.

Over the next two weeks, we’ll be doing some more resurfacing on sections of the treadpath. We’ll be hitting a few locations between Perrys Siding and Passmore. Warning signs will be in place. Trail users can still use the trail, but there may be some rough sections, so be prepared. Please make sure Daryl (the operator) knows you are there before attempting to pass him. Thanks for your understanding.

The Trail is looking in pretty good shape these days and is being well used. The resurfacing we’ve done in the past two years is hopefully making for an easier ride for folks. We now have a new flail mower which is allowing us to move back the vegetation on the sides of the treadpath.

Upcoming work projects: We will be doing some final resurfacing in August. We also will be doing some larger tree pruning in the fall.

Reminders – there are a lot more eBikes on the Trail. We have a 20 km speed limit and hope everyone will respect that. Please always let people know when you’re coming up behind them. Always stop and let horses pass. Dogs should be under control at all times and leashed up when meeting others.

Please check out our Amenities section for services in the area. Where to eat, shop, or stay locally can be found there.

This Trail is maintained by volunteers and your support is always appreciated. We have donation boxes at several trailheads or can be made through eTransfers (donate@slocanvalleyrailtrail.ca) or PayPal.

On Sunday January 19^th the 2^ND ANNUAL FAMILY WINTER FUN DAY will be happening at  the Valley View Golf Club from 10 a.m.  to 3 p.m. The Club is hoping for more snow, but there’s enough already for the kids to enjoy a slide down the many hills the Course has to offer. The Club will again be partnering with the Slocan Valley Rail Trail Society (SVRTS) who will be setting a groomed ski track if conditions allow. Slocan Valley Recreation will be making skis available for use at the event, and the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) will be hosting a Children’s Story Board walk.

The Golf Club will have a bonfire to warm up at and a selection of snacks and meals will be available in the clubhouse.

If there’s enough snow for trail grooming, the Rail Trail Society will be bringing out their Kubota UTV and Ginzu groomer to set a 2.5 km of track around the course. The course offers gentle and steeper sections and is just right for all level of skiers to enjoy.

The Valley View Gold Course is located 5 km north of Winlaw on Highway 6. For more information on the event, contact info@slocanvalleyrailtrail.ca

RESURFACING UPDATE – We’re restarting our resurfacing this week. The work continues to be along the northern end of our Trail. Please use caution and insure the operator sees and acknowledges you before attempting to pass. Thanks for your understanding

The north end of our Rail Trail has now reopened. The Slocan Complex Wildfire has been downgraded to an Alert. Why not enjoy a ride on the Rail Trail and go for a ride into the Village of Slocan and show your support for the community. They’ve had a tough couple of weeks.

Because of the Ponderose wildfire Evaculation Alert at the north end of the Slocan Valley, the Slocan Valley Rail Trail is closed from Perry’s Siding to Slocan lake until further notice. Please visit the RDCK website for a detailed map of the areas affected. Thanks for your understanding

Daryl has started clearing off the vegetation on the Rail Trail south of Gravel Pit Road. On our Facebook page you’ll see some photos that give you an idea of how matted the soil has become and how challenging it is for us to maintain. We have found some new tread surface material that we’ll be putting down, which is finer than what we had available last year. It’ll be a few days before they’re done on this segment, so please be patient and cautious if using the Trail.