Kal Lake Road concern

Photo: City of Vernon

Proposed bike path along Kal Lake Road.

The likely closure of Kalamalka Lake Road for upgrades later this year is causing some concern in Coldstream.

The City of Vernon is considering a possible lengthy closure so upgrades can be carried out, including construction of a multi-use path that could be used by cyclists travelling on the proposed Okanagan Rail Trail.

“We want staff to bring all the details to (council),” said Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick. “We're hearing bits and pieces.”

Garlick said it would be most important to keep traffic flowing during the construction and not have vehicles heading down Kal Lake Road only to be turned back.

“We're concerned about wait times. An alternative route (at one end) will be College Way.”

While the mayor has asked Vernon staff to look into options for flagging that would allow traffic to proceed down the road, he's been advised that could be cost prohibitive.

“It is a Vernon project. We've been informed about it but we are not in charge of it.”

In summer, the road is used by many tourists heading to Kal Lake beach.