A modern rest area has opened between Merritt and Kelowna on Highway 97C at the Loon Lake Interchange.
The $4.2-million Loon Lake rest area, approximately 40 kilometres southeast of Merritt, is a modern "Class A" facility with running water and flush toilets. It features a contemporary design, separate parking locations for passenger, commercial and recreational vehicles, and a landscaped outdoor area with picnic tables.
This rest area will be wired for free Wi-Fi and have electric car chargers installed this Spring. Trent Folk, Manager for The Thompson/Nicola District says people asked for the connectivity. "Having a safe location for people to pull off and check their phones, check the internet." "Also, with the Loon Lake rest area as well as Britton Creek, which are the 2 along the Coquihalla, they're both able to accomodate commercial vehicles so access to the internet is helpful to the trucking industry to be able to continue to do business."
"It is important for travellers to stay fresh and alert on long trips, and Loon Lake's new rest area provides an option on the Okanagan Connector," said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Claire Trevena. "Commercial truck drivers and travellers alike have told us they want more highway rest areas and improvements to the existing stops, and this one has amenities for all to benefit from when they need a break from the road."
Loon Lake is one of eight B.C. rest areas designated to get free Wi-Fi this year, as well as:
* Hunter Creek on Highway 1 - 11 kilometres west of Hope
* Bradner on Highway 1 - 53 kilometres east of Vancouver
* Cole Road on Highway 1 - 73 kilometres east of Vancouver
* The Last Spike on Highway 1 - 24 kilometres east of Sicamous
* Slim Creek on Highway 16 - 120 kilometres east of Prince George
* Mount Terry Fox on Highway 16 - six kilometres east of Tête Jaune
* Boulder Creek on Highway 16 - 53 kilometres west of Hazelton
Since 2015, almost $10 million has been invested in rest-area enhancements throughout B.C.