Canada 150 gift will help to build the nearly 50 kilometres of trail connecting numerous lake-side, urban and rural communities throughout the central Okanagan, creating a lasting legacy.

Promoting increased trail use is expected to improve health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote culture and boost tourism in the region.

KELOWNA, BC, June 7, 2017 /CNW/ - The development of the Okanagan Rail Trail is now one step closer to completion thanks to a $100,000 investment by TD Bank Group. The trail will be one of more than 150 initiatives supported through the year-long TD Common Ground Project, which will leave a legacy of vibrant and resilient green spaces for communities to enjoy across Canada, in recognition of Canada's 150^th anniversary.

"TD's generous gift to the Okanagan Rail Trail through the Central Okanagan Foundation will make a significant, positive impact on our communities by helping to connect people in meaningful ways. This is the first large corporate contribution to the trail, and we encourage other organizations to donate to this project," said Heather Stewart, Trail Ambassador. "Once completed, we expect the trail will enhance tourism, promote healthy living, connect families with nature and provide opportunities for users to learn more about the Syilx (Okanagan) people and their traditional territory."

TD's contribution will help support the trail development, which when completed will be a 48.5-kilometre multi-use trail that is being planned and developed by four local governments: the City of Kelowna, the District of Lake Country, the Okanagan Indian Band and the North Okanagan Regional District.

"TD is committed to contributing to livable and healthy communities and improving their quality of life in a lasting way," said Dale Safinuk, District Vice President, TD – BC Southern Interior, who lives in Kelowna. "Green spaces are where communities come together to meet, talk and play and where people find common ground and connect. We are thrilled to be able to support this Okanagan initiative that, when completed, will be an important legacy for the community. The trail will benefit over 200,000 people and is expected to be used more than 500,000 times annually."

For over 25 years, TD has been committed to revitalizing and enriching green spaces across the country. Our support of over 25,000 environmental projects, planting over 280,000 trees, our Friends of the Environment Foundation and the TD Forests initiative all demonstrate our commitment to driving environmental and community leadership. 

For more information, please visit http://commongroundproject.td.com

About TD Community Giving
TD Bank Group invests in communities in order to effect positive change in the places where it operates and where its clients and employees live and work. In 2015, TD donated more than $92.5 million to support community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, TD focuses on education and financial literacy, creating opportunities for young people, and the environment. For more information, visit www.td.com/corporateresponsibility.

SOURCE TD Bank Group