Concerns about walkway

(West Kelowna) Shannon Lake residents are growing increasingly frustrated about ongoing delays to replace a well-used pedestrian trail between Shannon Ridge Drive and Upper Sundance Drive, a connection many say is essential for daily safety and convenience.

The original pathway was removed in 2021, when construction began on the townhouse development at 2161 Sundance Drive, a project approved in 2018. At the time, the developer committed to providing an alternative route once construction was complete. Nearly five years later, however, no replacement trail has been built.

Stacey Adams, responding to the Shannon Lake Neighbourhood Association’s request for 2026 priorities, said restoring the walkway is a top concern.

“The Upper Sundance townhouse developers were supposed to provide an alternative route once complete. The developer has more or less packed up and left and there is no pathway,” she said.

Jason Pettyjohn echoed those frustrations.

“It is supposed to be a public right of way access, and it has been five years now without it. Many kids use this to get to the bus and or school,” he said.

Last month, the Shannon Lake Neighbourhood Association contacted the City of West Kelowna’s development manager Bob Dargatz. He noted the cty would assess the application history and consult the developer.

By Feb. 9, city staff had visited the site and contacted the owner and project architect to reiterate expectations for the trail’s reinstatement.

Dargatz added the trail will need realignment, environmental review and remaining sewer work before construction can proceed. No timeline has been confirmed, leaving residents waiting and concerned.

With warmer weather encouraging more people outdoors, residents hope the city and developer can work together to address the issue without further delay and restore a safe, welcoming connection for the community.

Tom Groat, president,
Shannon Lake Neighbourhood Association