Cliff Avenue to open

Photo: City of Enderby.

Enderby's main street is about to open to traffic, just in time for the Canada Day parade.

“We're excited, business is excited,” said Tate Bengston, the city's chief administrative officer, after a stress test on Cliff Avenue's new concrete intersection came back positive.

A total of $1.9 million is being spent on the project to replace critical underground infrastructure and create a new streetscape.

Most of phase one is complete, although Bengston said the new street lights and pier structure are not yet in place but will be set up next week.

“The contractor is out there right now cleaning it up, making it spic and span,” Bengston said on Wednesday afternoon. “We should open late tonight or tomorrow.”

“We have people out there enjoying the unique street furniture. There's a bit of whimsy to it.”

Enderby's Canada Day parade will be marching east on Cliff this Friday.

“This is a great way to introduce the new look to the community,” Bengston said.

The public will also be invited to attend a July 15th event, although details are still being worked out.

It's hoped the beautification of the downtown will encourage people to use the area and shop at local businesses.

Plans for the street included a raised intersection at Cliff and Belvedere that would double as a public plaza, with seating, rain gardens and trees.