Rail Trail's "Bad Inhabitant"

Speaking to a golfer this morning, I learned that the new Rail Trail is "loaded with poison ivy, and it's creeping in from the sides now that the railway company isn't controlling it".

He didn't have any photos of it on his phone, but here are some from the internet (click on photos to enlarge):

There are apparently up to 10 natural remedies for Poison Ivy exposure/rash.

This website should be bookmarked by people who walk or bike the Rail Trail.

And how about your four-legged hiking companion?  See this website to learn of symptoms your dog may exhibit, i.e. an itchy rash.

"There's a need for some photo/sign warnings on the Rail Trail," Kia would've said.

The new-to-the Okanagan golfer added another comment..."back east, we witnessed areas that were expropriated to provide 'rail trails', and then years later, politicians realized light transit would've served the highest purpose.  Trails were converted back to commuter rail transport...at huge cost."

He said that politicians here will learn that too.

Was that a Guesstimate?

Today's Morning Star editorial by Rolke, entitled "It's all about vision", focused on Coldstream purchasing the 2 acres of commercially-zoned land between Dutch's campground and Vernon City boundary.

An excerpt:  "If the Okanagan Rail Trail Initiative is correct, an additional 107,400 visitors will be attracted to the region annually to use the trail....this could possibly pump $6.7 to $8.7 million into the economy, and even if that figure is off slightly, the extra revenue going into businesses and families will be welcome."

And then halfway through, he states: "Of course we can't ignore the cost of preparing the property for hikers and cyclists....figures aren't known..."

I personally don't have an issue with the District of Coldstream spending $550,000 for that 2 acres of land. 

What I do have an issue with is this:

Who/what determined that hikers and cyclists--well known for being outfitted from head to toe and self-sufficient for their trip--would spend any money at either end of the Trail?
  
Let alone that 107,400 of 'em would inject $6.7 to $8.7 million into the economy.

photo:  internet.  See all those backpacks?  Chock full of water, juice, snacks, and sandwiches.  And toilet paper.

Rolke's story concludes:  "These two acres are a diamond in the rough."

"Might be a cubic zirconia," Kia would've whispered.

Both are shiny and attract people.

So we'll see...if any of those 107,400 people need anything here.