Photo: Carmen Weld - Castanet File Photo

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Todd Stone

West Kelowna Mayor, Doug Findlater and members of his council were able to bend the ear of provincial ministers during day one of the Union of BC Municipalities Convention in Whistler.

At scheduled meetings with provincial government representatives, Mayor and Council raised issues of importance to West Kelowna including: a second-crossing of Okanagan Lake, Highway 97 traffic safety and congestion and off-road vehicle licensing.

Council was able to meet with both Transportation and Infrastructure Minister, Todd Stone and Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Steve Thomson.

West Kelowna was able to discuss the study into the second-crossing of Okanagan Lake that was recently announced by the Province, seeking reassurance from the minister that this will be a corridor, rather than crossing only, study.

“West Kelowna Council believes that this issue is bigger than just where a second bridge should be located,” says Mayor Doug Findlater. “We received confirmation from Minister Stone that it is indeed a much broader study than just the crossing, which will look at the traffic patterns of the region and consider a bypass or even a second corridor to help alleviate traffic congestion.”

Mayor Findlater said that Council may want to conduct an economic impact study related to the study to understand any potential impacts to West Kelowna from these considerations.

West Kelowna Council also received good news from Minister Stone regarding its ongoing interest in securing advance left-turn lanes at key intersections of Highway 97 through West Kelowna.

“Minister Stone advised us that the one remaining intersection we are concerned about, Daimler Drive, will have advance left-turn signals installed in 2015,” says Mayor Findlater. “West Kelowna has been advocating for these signal installations and has watched several installed. We are very pleased with this news as I am hard pressed to remember a fatal accident at any of the intersections that have been improved in this way.”

Mayor Findlater said Council suggested to Minister Stone that right turn lanes be extended at key intersections to avoid motorists having to wait for through traffic to clear in order to turn right off Highway 97.

Council also discussed new off-road vehicle licensing legislation with Minister Thomson.

“We were advised that the roll-out of the legislation, involving registration and licensing of off-road vehicles, will take place this fall. Eventually there will be enforcement by the RCMP and Conservation Officers,” says Mayor Findlater. “West Kelowna has long advocated for this to protect our watershed, and we have heard often from residents that are concerned with noise, pollution and fire safety. This is welcome news for West Kelowna Council.”

West Kelowna Council also reiterated to Minister Thomson its interest in securing Crown Land grants for municipal purposes and Mayor Findlater said that progress is being made.