New gate at Smith Creek trailhead smashed by vandals

Photo: Dylan Da Silva

Trailhead at Smith Creek parking lot damaged by vandals.

It didn't take long for a new parking lot at the Smith Creek Trailhead in West Kelowna to be vandalized.

West Kelowna Trail Crew executive member Dylan DaSilva says a recently installed gate was smashed some time Friday night. Repairs could cost up to $5,000.

"It's hard to find words to describe how angry we are about this. I'm disgusted with people in our community are so disrespectful,” he said. “If you see any suspicious activity at Smith Creek call 911 immediately.”

He says the volunteer group will be installing more trail cameras in the area immediately.

The gate was just installed in September, thanks in part to Rec Sites and Trails BC, which spearheaded and funded all of new trailhead amenities in the area.

DaSilva says the West Kelowna Trail Crew has been supporting the various mountain bike trails, which are among some of the top rated in the province.

“We had this fantastic parking lot built, which is much needed. I'm not even joking we would have up to 100 cars parked on the road of just mountain bikers. It was like really big for a club and something we're all really proud of," he said.

DaSilva has already been in touch with the provincial government and a representative from Rec Sites and Trails BC, "people (in our bike community) were losing their minds, the mountain bike community is really tight knit and people are passionate about it, you could tell everybody's blood was boiling."

DaSilva says the gate was installed to prevent vehicles from driving into the mountain bike trails area. It will likely take several months for repairs to take place.

Photo: Dylan DA Silva