At the Union of BC Municipalities convention in Vancouver, West Kelowna Mayor, Council and staff met with Hon. Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure to discuss continued improvements along Highway 97, including at Boucherie Road and Westlake Road, and met with Ministry staff along with Peachland Mayor Cindy Fortin to discuss obtaining the right-of-way to connect Trail 2000 between Peachland and West Kelowna.
“Expanding the capacity of Highway 97 through West Kelowna is critical to our residents to not only improve the safety of this busy corridor, but to attract new investment and supporting economic growth and the Ministry is very aware of this,” says Mayor Milsom. “We advised the Minister that we are very supportive of the interchange project at Boucherie Road and hope to see an interchange constructed at Westlake Road in the near-term as well. We’re thankful that the Ministry continues to work hand-in-hand with West Kelowna to advance the design and infrastructure improvements to Highway 97.”
The delegation also met with Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure staff to discuss Trail 2000, which is a long term vision to establish a trail from the William R. Bennett Bridge through to Peachland. It forms part of the “Trail of the Okanagan.” Sections are complete and well used and other sections are in the planning phase.
“We discussed significant challenges with the portion of the trail between Seclusion Bay Road and Robson Place in Peachland, just past where the trail leaves West Kelowna. This section requires a right-of-way from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure,” says Mayor Milsom. “We talked to the Ministry about working together to obtain the right-of-way as soon as possible to connect these sections of the trail, bringing us closer to the goal of Trail 2000.”
The City’s two resolutions submitted for consideration at the convention were also endorsed by the membership. These resolutions, with all other endorsed resolutions, will be sent to the Provincial Government for consideration.
One resolution is on photo radar. The city is looking to enforcement speed limits in residential areas, playgrounds, and school zones. Because it is labour intensive, the ability to use photo radar as a deterrent has proven to be effective and efficient in the management of speed.
The other resolution deals with vaping and minors. The city is looking to have the Province of BC enact strict regulations regarding the marketing and selling of e-cigarettes and vapour products to minors.