STA supports Splatsin negotiations on CPRail agreement 

The Shuswap, British Columbia – Shuswap Trail Alliance leadership is very pleased to hear of the successful outcome for Splatsin's negotiations with CP Rail. It is an important acknowledgement of the title and rights of the Splatsin community and the wider Secwepemc Nation territory through which the abandoned rail corridor runs. The Splatsin have re-established their role as primary caretaker in the region and opened the door for new uses of the corridor that benefit tourism and transportation. 

Splatsin Chief and Council will now take the lead in regathering local leadership in January to discuss options to work together and acquire the remaining sections of corridor that were not included in their final agreement with CP Rail. We understand the remaining lands will be turned over to CP's Real Estate division for dispersal, so are unsure what the negotiations or valuation will now look like (salvage has already occurred, and 29 acres removed from the available lands.) But we look forward to supporting Splatsin leadership and local municipal, regional, and provincial partners in those discussions which include the potential for a continuous linear greenway corridor for walking and cycling. 

We will also be following up with CP leadership to better understand their plans for dispersal of the remaining abandoned rail corridor. 

STA leadership continues to encourage people to contact their elected leadership in support of continuing to work with Splatsin, regional and provincial partners, and CP Rail toward successful acquisition of the abandoned rail corridor – and to see a continuous greenway for hiking and cycling established as part of the future management of the corridor. 

For a background brief and position statement on the potential greenway rail-trail opportunity for the abandoned Sicamous to Armstrong rail corridor, visit www.shuswaptrails.com. 

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