MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATVBC Calls for Pause and Transparency on Proposed Kettle Valley Rail Trail Deactivation
February 17th, 2026 British Columbia — The Quad Riders ATV Association of BC (ATVBC) is calling for an immediate pause and full public transparency following the Province’s announcement to permanently deactivate a 67-kilometre section of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVRT) between Princeton and the Coldwater River.
The decision, announced in early February, came without prior notice to key recreation stakeholders despite ongoing engagement with Recreation Sites & Trails BC since 2023.
“This announcement came completely out of left field,” said Kristin Parsons, Executive Director of ATVBC. “We were told assessments were underway and decisions would follow the release of findings. Instead, stakeholders learned of a permanent deactivation plan without seeing the engineering reports, analysis, or consultation outcomes.”
ATVBC is formally requesting the release of all technical reports and decision analyses, including engineering assessments, environmental studies, cost comparisons, and consultation records.
Communities and Tourism at Risk
The communities of Tulameen and Coalmont function largely as recreation-based economies, with the KVR serving as the central access corridor for visitors, cabin owners, and residents.
The trail provides:
- safe, easy access for families, seniors, and novice riders
- gateway access to alpine trails, lakes, and backcountry recreation
- year-round recreation including snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing
- connectivity supporting local tourism and small businesses
Without the KVR corridor, access to surrounding recreation areas becomes significantly more difficult and, in some areas, unsafe or impractical.
“If the KVR disappears, visitors may stop coming,” Parsons said. “That impacts local businesses, property owners, tourism operators, and the overall economic health of the region.”
Economic Importance of Motorized Recreation
Motorized recreation is a major contributor to rural economies across British Columbia. ATV and side-by-side recreation generates hundreds of millions in economic activity annually and drives tourism spending in small communities.
“The KVR is not just a trail,” Parsons added. “It is infrastructure that supports rural economies, recreation access, and community wellbeing.”
Questions About Consultation and Decision Process
The Province’s notification stated the decision followed extensive stakeholder engagement. ATVBC and local recreation organizations say they were not included.
ATVBC is seeking clarification on:
- who was consulted during the decision process
- which stakeholders supported deactivation
- why local recreation groups and tourism stakeholders were not included
Funding and Alternatives Must Be Examined
ATVBC is also calling for transparency regarding the funding source for the estimated $20 million deactivation project, including whether federal disaster recovery funding is being used.
“If disaster recovery funding is available, stakeholders deserve to know why repair or partial restoration options were not fully pursued,” Parsons said.
ATVBC Calls for Immediate Pause
ATVBC is urging the Province to halt implementation plans until:
- technical reports are released,
- stakeholders are fully engaged, and
- alternatives are evaluated in collaboration with affected communities.
“We are ready to work with government and partners on solutions,” said Parsons. “But decisions of this magnitude must be transparent, inclusive, and grounded in long-term community and economic realities.”
