Date: Wednesday September 10, 2003
Time: 4:00 p.m.
RECOVERY CENTRE OFFICE: 868-2632
RECOVERY SOCIAL SERVICES: 868-2659
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RECOVERY TRUST FUND DONATIONS CAN SPECIFY TRESTLE REDEVELOPMENT
The Kelowna and Area Okanagan Fire Recovery Society has recognized the community’s will to re-build the twelve historic trestles of the Kettle Valley Railway, destroyed as the Okanagan Mountain Park fire swept through Myra Canyon. Donors may now specify that their contributions to the Kelowna and Area Fire Recovery Trust Fund should be directed toward trestle redevelopment.
Donations may be made online at http://kvr.acromedia.ca or via www.city.kelowna.bc.ca. Donations may also be sent to the City of Kelowna, 1435 Water Street, Kelowna B.C. V1Y 1J4. Cheques should be made payable to the “City of Kelowna Fire Recovery Fund” and should specify that the donation is for the "Myra Canyon Trestle Restoration Fund".
The Federal Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the Central Okanagan Regional District, the City of Kelowna and the Myra Canyon Trestle Restoration Society, as well as many national and local organizations, have acknowledged the need to rebuild. Once the fire in Myra Canyon is extinguished a site assessment will be conducted to determine the steps involved in reconstruction. The reconstruction effort will be a large one involving many levels of government, the private sector and the community. To kick start the project initial funding for the site assessment will be provided by the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada.
The Kettle Valley Railway is one of the most important heritage and recreational assets in the Central Okanagan. The pioneering spirit that built the world famous Myra Canyon trestles will once again be demonstrated through community goodwill and leadership.
General donations toward the Recovery Trust Fund are also gratefully accepted. The monies will be used to assist in rebuilding lives and the community. The Recovery Society is in the process of identifying needs and projects that may be eligible to receive funds. Donations can be made at any Scotiabank branch in Canada to account number 80150-00058-19, or through the internet or by mail, as above.