Investing in the downtown core

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Martin Street

The city of Penticton awarded the Downtown Penticton Westminster-Martin Street revitalization project to Grizzly Excavating Ltd. at a special meeting this week.

The Penticton-based contractor submitted the successful bid with the lowest price for conducting the work. The contract award is within the $1.25 million project budget for two blocks of Westminster Avenue and the 200 block of Martin Street. The goal being to create a western gateway into the downtown for visitors coming from destinations like the waterfront and Penticton Trade and Convention Centre.

"History shows when we invest in the downtown, the entire community thrives. Everyone's lives are touched by the commercial heart of our city," said Mayor Garry Litke. "Today all the planning now evolves into investment, and we cannot wait for the work to begin and showcase the vibrant spirit on Westminster Avenue and Martin Street."

The project plan calls for new sidewalks, new lamp standards, energy-efficient lighting, banners, flower baskets, irrigation and street furniture along all three blocks.

Along Martin Street, water infrastructure and connections to businesses will be improved and asphalt along the road  will be replaced as well.

Construction is anticipated to begin once weather permits, likely in a few weeks.

Two-way traffic will continue on Westminster throughout the project, and Martin Street will have one lane open for traffic throughout the majority of the project.

Pedestrian access to businesses will also remain open.

A construction open house will be held for the public in the coming weeks.