The city is looking to conduct a feasibility study for public access options at the north end of Salmon Arm's foreshore trail.
The agenda for the May 12 city council meeting includes a motion to award Gentech Engineering Inc. the task of undertaking an "active transportation at-grade rail crossing feasibility study" and preliminary design for $39,345 plus taxes. This work will focus on the north end of the trail in Raven "as it connects to the residential area via 47 Ave NE over the CPKC Railways Mainline."
The study will consider three locations including the private driveway crossing. Upon selection of the optimal location, a preliminary design will be completed along with a Class ‘C’ cost estimate.
City staff provide some historical background on the foreshore trail and crossing, noting the former was constructed in the early 2000s from the east end of Harbourfront Drive to the unopened road right-of-way at 47th Avenue NE.
"A private crossing of the CPKC railway exists at Mile 60.81 in the Shuswap Subdivision, within the road right-of-way of 47 Avenue NE servicing a private residential property located at 1031 47 Avenue NE," reads the staff report. "While the trail is fenced with a gate and the crossing signed as a private crossing, many active transportation users use the private crossing to access the foreshore trail illegally."
Under new federal transport regulations put in place in 2021, all rail crossings had to be in compliance by 2024. Staff had discussions with CPKC (Canadian Pacific Kansas City) about safety concerns for "trail users accessing the trail system by way of the private driveway."
"CPKC approached the City in 2024 requesting a crossing agreement at this location," reported staff. "The agreement would have required substantial rail signal and safety improvements due to insufficient sightlines for active transportation use.
"The City chose to investigate other potential locations for an active transportation at-grade crossing that would better meet Transport Canada’s safety regulations, potentially avoiding major capital investment."
A request for proposal for the feasibility study/preliminary design work was issued by the city on March 14, 2025, and seven proposals were received, with prices ranging from $19,048 to $57,853. Council approved a budget of $40,000 in the 2025 budget to support the project.
In late February, the city shared a post on social media explaining it was aware of posted CPKC signage regarding the planned closure of the private rail crossing at 47th Avenue NE in Raven.
"We understand the community’s desire for an access point to the foreshore trail near this location and want to assure residents that we are actively looking into a safe and affordable solution," read the post.
