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 newly installed gate broke sometime Friday night. Repairs can 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 who are so disrespectful,” he said. “If you see any suspicious activity in Smith Creek, call 911 immediately.” He says the volunteer group will immediately install more cameras in the area. The gate was just installed in September, thanks in part to Rec Sites and Trails BC, which spearheaded and funded all the new trail amenities in the area. DaSilva says the West Kelowna Trail Crew supports the various mountain bike trails, which are among some of the top in the province. “We have built this fantastic car park, which is much needed. I kid you not we would have up to 100 cars parked on the road just for mountain bikers. It was really big for a club and something we’re all really proud of,” he said. DaSilva has already been in contact with the provincial government and a representative from Rec Sites and Trails BC, “people (in our bike community) have lost their minds, the mountain bike community is very tight-knit and people are passionate about it , you could say everyone’s blood was boiling.” DaSilva says the gate was installed to prevent vehicles from driving into the mountain bike trail area. It will likely take several months to complete the repairs. Photo: Dylan DA Silva
