We also noticed a place you can make a complaint about
Provincial Highway Maintenance here at
Drive BC
Still no plow at Valley of the Sun at 3pm January 18, 2015,
so we called because our friend couldn't make it up Firwood Road
Some photos of the
washouts on Westside Road May 14, 2018
Neehoot
Ewings Landing
Westside Road closed
in both directions due to washout at Ewings Landing May 9, 2018
Open to single lane alternating
traffic 3 km north of Fintry. Construction will begin on Thursday,
May 10th to repair the road. Please watch for crews and expect
delays. Updated on Wed May 9, 2018 at 3:28 pm PDT. (ID# 283439)
Source: Drive BC http://www.drivebc.ca/mobile/pub/events/WestsideRoad.html
Closed in both directions 3
km north of Fintry because of Wash Out. No estimated time of
opening; assessment in progress. No detour available. Next update at
2pm. Updated on Wed May 9 at 10:13 am PDT. (ID# 283390)
Source: Drive BC http://www.drivebc.ca/mobile/pub/events/id/283390.html
Closed in both directions 3
km north of Fintry because of Wash Out. No estimated time of
opening; assessment in progress. No detour available. Next update at
10am. Updated on Wed May 9, 2018 at 6:24am PDT. (ID#283390)
The road hasn't changed much,
but they don't want it caving in anymore I suspect. There are
homes below and it will take a lot of work to fix the road.
Evacuation
Order for Killiney Beach Properties
Central Okanagan - Due to slope instability, a local state of
emergency has been declared to facilitate an Evacuation Order for
nine properties in the Killiney Beach area within the Central
Okanagan West Electoral Area.
The properties are:
9017 Westside Road N
9035 Westside Road N
9043 Westside Road N
9051 Westside Road N
9059 Westside Road N
9067 Westside Road N
9075 Westside Road N
9083 Westside Road N
9091 Westside Road N
9107 Westside Road N
9115 Westside Road N
9123 Westside Road N
Source: RDCO email April 29,
2018
Power was out Apr
28, 2018 and Westside Road has been affected by a slide at Estamont
Hydro Lines Down from Fintry
to 23 km south of Junction with Highway 97 North (11 km). The road
is reduced to single lane alternating traffic. Updated on Sun Apr 29
at 8:20 am PDT. (ID# 283366)
Source: Drive BC
1420.10 SIGNING/SPEEDS
All unregulated/unposted roads in
unorganized territory in British Columbia are limited to
a maximum speed of 80 km/h ( Motor Vehicle Act 146.1);
therefore, all roads designed at less than 80 km/h shall
be posted accordingly.
Motorists are being warned of traffic disruptions on
Westside Road.
There will be construction 11 kilometres of the junction
with Highway 97 south (Kelowna junction) from Monday to
Saturday. There will be single lane alternating traffic
from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with up to 10-minute delays.
From Tuesday to Thursday, there will be two-hour
closures from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
for road reconstruction.
Upgrade For Section Of Westside Road
Construction will soon begin on a narrow section of Westside
Road in West Kelowna, from La Casa Resort to Muir Road.
The plan is to improve traffic flow and safety by widening
the road and adding roadside barriers.
Transportation Minister Claire Trevena says the narrow
stretch in that section sees more than 1,000 vehicles every
day, as well as numerous cyclists and pedestrians.
The project will take place about 30 kilometres north of the
Highway 97 intersection, on a part of Westside Road that
features steep rock bluffs on one side, and 20-50 metre
embankments down to Okanagan Lake on the other.
Work will include 1.3 kilometres of lane widening and
straightening to improve sight lines and visibility,
installation of guardrails to reduce the potential for
vehicles leaving the highway, and a paved shoulder to create
more room for cyclists and pedestrians.
The project will also include slope-stabilization works, and
crossing improvements at the intersection of Westside Road
and Barcelona Drive, that should be completed by mid-May
2018.
BD Hall Constructors Corp, from Surrey, was awarded the
$5.7-million contract for the project.
It is expected to be completed December 2018.
The ministry says it is committed to ensuring there is
minimal impact to traffic, but construction and paving may
require minor delays or short scheduled closures of Westside
Road.
Motorists are asked to obey traffic control personnel, watch
for workers, and check for up-to-date traffic advisories at:
DriveBC.ca
Westside Road
Construction Update
While construction work continues weekdays 7am-5pm through the
summer, there will not be any planned closures of the road for
blasting until after Labour Day weekend. The Ministry of
Transportation and Infrastructure says that will resume September
7th, 2016.
Check Drive BC for the latest info
Those who favoured an
additional bridge tended to favour a location to the north of the
existing W.R. Bennett Bridge. View the complete Public Engagement
Report.
The opportunity to provide feedback is ongoing, and the input
received will continue to be considered in identifying solutions
that will actually address future needs.
Illegal stunting and
racing on Westside Road July 7, 2017
June 8, 2017 Single Lane Alternating
traffic at Bear Creek
flood watch 5 km north of
Junction with Highway 97 South. The road is reduced to single lane
alternating traffic. for flood watch Updated on Thu Jun 8 at 6:02 pm
PDT. (ID# 249469)
Mounties handed out Violation Tickets to almost 100
motorists Feb. 16, while working in the Lake Country area.
They were looking for speeding and for distracted driving,
and there was no shortage of examples. In seven hours, at
two different locations and 45 speeding tickets were handed
out for those going in excess of 25 km/hr more than the
posted speed limit.
Fifty motorists were given tickets for
Distracted Driving
offenses, which carry a fine of $368 and four demerit points.
Additionally, one motorist was given an Immediate Roadside
Prohibition for Alcohol.
"It is astonishing to see that, despite the public outcry
and resulting increase in fines and points, so many
motorists are still driving while distracted by Electronic
Devices," said Const. Steve Holmes of the Kelowna Municipal
Traffic Services.
March is Distracted Driving month in B.C. and the RCMP are
asking motorists to be cognizant of the fact that distracted
driving is a leading cause of Motor Vehicle fatalities in
British Columbia, according to ICBC.
An 82-year-old woman sustained "moderate to serious
injuries" Thursday afternoon when she collided with a BC
Transit bus while riding her bike in the roundabout at
Westside Road and Sneena Road.
The woman was riding her bike parallel with the bus in
the roundabout at 4 p.m. when she bumped into the side
of it, causing her to fall.
She was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
ORIGINAL: Nov. 3
A person was struck in the roundabout at Westside Road
and Sneena Road Thursday afternoon.
The RCMP, ambulance and fire department arrived at the
scene just after 4 p.m.
A transit bus and a sedan were stopped at the roundabout
and an officer could be seen carrying a bicycle.
The condition of the struck person is unknown at this
time.
Bob Spiers, Vernon city councillor
A Vernon councillor isn't giving up on his demands to
have a highway bypass in the long term vision for the
city.
Bob Spiers voted against official community plan changes
at council's meeting Tuesday, upset the highway doesn't
get mentioned in the master transportation plan.
He hopes residents agree with him when a public hearing
is held on the OCP later this year.
"Hopefully enough people will come out, and maybe we can
convince the powers that be and the rest of council, to
put in a bypass (into the plan)."
Spiers says the city's advisory planning committee
agrees a bypass should be in the plan.
"We both thought we should have better bypass language.
We should at least put a bypass route in there," adds
Spiers.
Councillor Scott Anderson also voted against the OCP
changes concerned about the parks plan making part of
Marshall Field on-leash only for dogs.
"It is a difficult decision, but it's one that I stand
on because I feel very strongly that I am representing a
great number of people who use that consistently as a
dog run, and I'm speaking for them," Anderson told Kiss
FM.
Councillor Catherine Lord also had concerns about the
master parks plan outlining the Civic Arena site to
become a park, which she feels has not been decided, and
the building may be kept in tact for future uses.
"We were talking about getting public consultation on
this issue," said Lord
Councillor Juliette Cunningham pointed out the master
plans can be changed over time, adding it's basically a
blueprint, and doesn't force council to do anything
specific.
5. CORRESPONDENCE
5.1 UBCM - 2015 Resolutions Endorsed by the UBCM at Convention
Province of BC's Response to Resolution (All Directors - Unweighted Corporate
Vote - Simple Majority - LGA 208.1)
Union of BC Municipalities letter of June 15, 2016 outlined the response from
the Province of BC to the 2015 resolution regarding highway speeds that was
endorsed at the 2015 UBCM Convention.
OPHUS/GRAY
THAT the June 15, 2016 letter from the Union of BC Municipalities regarding the
Province's response to the 2015 resolution regarding highway speeds put forward
by the Board and endorsed by the UBCM membership at Convention be received for
information.
CARRIED Unanimously
5. DELEGATION
5.1 Central Okanagan Transit Future Action Plan Project Overview Mathew Boyd,
Regional Planning, and Rob Williams, BC Transit BC Transit provided an overview
of their Central Okanagan Transit Future Action Plan project including:
• 2016 service changes
o April 24 and June 26 seasonal reductions
o Sept 4 service reinstatement
o No expansions or reductions overall
• Future Action Plan
o Healthy growth in ridership over the last year
o Since 2014 static route level was implemented
o Ellison area two trips per day
o It's now time to refresh the plan in the next year or so. Five year cycle to
review and update the Plan.
o Stakeholder and public engagement will occur when reviewing the Plan.
Completed customer survey earlier this month.
o Ellison Transit Service - review completed in 2015. Service provided by #23
(Lake Country route). Low service level. Five
options have been developed as part of the consultation. Discussion ongoing over
the coming year.
o Plan completion early 2017 following further consultation.
• Additional Project Updates
o Province has announced there is further funding available over the next three
years.
o BC Transit working with local partners on expansion priorities and estimated
costs.
o UBCO Transit Exchange - highest trip generator. Capital funding options
currently being developed.
o Kelowna Transit Centre garage improvements needed to extend its life.
• Next steps
o Continue collecting information
o Working on Sept. 2016 schedule
Discussion:
Lake Country and Ellison area both looking for increased HandiDart service
o HandiDart service was discontinued years ago in Ellison. There are only
a few service areas that were grandfathered.
o Resources will be required to reinvest in this service.
Cost sharing between local government and the Province:
• Conventional: Local government funds 53%; 47% province
• Custom transit: Local government funds 67%; 33% province
Ellison service - will need to determine how much the Ellison taxpayers want to
pay for the service and how it will be funded. The specific area that receives
the service pays for the service.
- John Hindle service - working with Kelowna staff to determine the service to
UBC-O
- Good transit planning comes from good land use planning.
Has there ever been discussion on transit to Westside Road? No. Transit service
is not cheap - resources need to be put in the right places. This area would not
be cost effective.
- Customer survey results will be posted online. New proposals would go through
the election officials at each municipality (working through their staff).
SINGH/HODGE
THAT the BC Transit presentation on the Central Okanagan Transit Future Action
Plan be received for information.
CARRIED Unanimously
The Regional Board has approved submitting a response to
the Provincial Government as part of the public consultation on the Emergency
Management BC Discussion Paper. Regional Emergency Program staff have reviewed
the document and provided comments regarding possible changes to modernize and
clarify responsibilities in the Emergency Program Act.
Nothing was mentioned in the Highlights about item 5.2
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Approval of funding for Bellevue
Creek Intake and Dike Improvements
5.2 Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure -
Approval of funding for Bellevue Creek Intake and Dike Improvements [All
Directors - Unweighted Vote - 208(1)]
SIEBEN/FINDLATER
THAT the March 30, 2016 letter from the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure confirming approval of $200,000 in funding for the Bellevue Creek
Intake and Dike Improvements be received for information.
CARRIED Unanimously
*Note* Below is only a
snippet, please click link above for entire content
5.
CORRESPONDENCE
5.2 Letter Minister Stone - Expansion of Transit Services (All Directors -
Unweighted
Vote - LGA 802.1)
11 - 12
Recommended Motion:
THAT the letter dated February 22, 2016 from Minister Stone regarding
expansion of transit services be received for information.
Re: Expansion of Transit Services
I am writing to update you on the actions that this government has taken in
Budget 2016 to enhance transit services across British Columbia by $12.7 million
over the next three years. These investments ensure that B.C. continues to lead
the nation in its level of funding support for transit services and contribute
to our goals of increased mobility within and between communities, as well as
contributing to the province's greenhouse gas reduction targets. Over 50 million
trips were made on BC Transit buses last year, and we expect that number to
continue to rise as we work together to improve and expand services across the
province.
Last October, we made amendments to the British Columbia
Transit Act that ensured that the base funding provided in Budget 2015 could be
used most efficiently, allowing BC Transit and its partner communities to
capitalize on low fuel prices and reinvest these savings in transit services in
their communities.
In December, it was my pleasure to announce the five point
action plan to improve safety and mobility along Highway 16. As part of this
action plan, we will be investing $1.6 million over the next two years to
improve inter-community services along this key northern corridor. We are
working closely with First Nations and local government leaders along Highway 16
to implement these vital services and hope to have buses on the road as soon as
possible.
As well, over the next three years, the Province will be
investing an additional $11.1 million to not only maintain transit and HandyDART
services in BC Transit communities, but to increase them. Communities that have
made requests to BC Transit in the past for expanded services should be hearing
from their local transit planners in the near future to discuss their past
requests.
Increasing funding is only one side of the equation,
however. The Ministry of Finance will soon be releasing their Crown Agency
Review of BC Transit. As I have mentioned in previous letters, my expectation is
that this review will contribute to a dialogue amongst the partners in each
community through the identification of revenue opportunities as well as
efficiencies, ensuring each transit community reflects best practices. This
review will position the Province, local governments and contracted service
providers to play their part in managing costs and optimizing revenues as local
service priorities are considered.
I look forward to working with BC Transit and all its
partner communities as we continue to invest, innovate, and work together to
deliver the world-class transit services that British Columbians have come to
expect from us.
5.2 Letter Minister Stone - Expansion of Transit Services
(All Directors Unweighted Vote - LGA 208.1)
FORTIN/BASRAN
THAT the letter dated February 22,2016 from Minister Stone regarding expansion
of transit services be received for information.
CARRIED Unanimously
With regards to a bypass around Vernon, think for a
minute.
A bypass is exactly that and one only has to look at how
Kelowna has grown without one and Penticton has
stagnated since their bypass was built.
I am also told by long-time residents that when a
developer proposed building in the area where the bypass
is proposed a few years ago, the developer's own
ecological report recommended against the development as
the area is one of the few open grasslands remaining.
I am also told that after viewing the plan for a bypass
when it was first proposed, a retired engineer burst out
laughing as he said in order to build a highway to
provincial standards, rock cuts would have to be so deep
that the proposal was totally a no-brainer.
Also, if I recall right, one new member of city council,
who originally voted to keep this long-term proposal
alive, said she would be changing her mind at the next
vote as it was not reasonable to tie up development of
land along the proposed route and in fact, it may make
the city liable if it does so.
Finally, given the extremely poor state of the roads and
sewer system and the cost of such a basic as water in
Vernon, it would be political suicide to even seriously
consider such frivolous projects when the basics need
attending to.
As just one example, I went over a pothole on the upper
part of Alexis Park Drive, which came within a hair of
removing all of the enamel off my teeth.
And you want to spend taxpayers money on bypassing the
city? Really?
The Regional District of Central Okanagan is receiving
$600,000 from the Federal Gas Tax strategic priorities
fund to create a Regional Strategic Transportation Plan,
which will be a key component of the Sustainable
Transportation Partnership of the Central Okanagan.
It’s envisioned that the Regional Strategic
Transportation Plan, which is an initiative on behalf of
all local governments in the Central Okanagan, will tie
together various elements of transportation planning
from across the region. In essence, it will become a
blueprint outlining the goals and objectives for
achieving the ideal regional transportation outcome for
the Central Okanagan.
“This federal Gas Tax funding is incredible news for our
region. It’ll go a long way in helping to improve our
transportation system by identifying transportation
needs, making our region more sustainable," said
Regional Board Chair Gail Given. "This will help enhance
the quality of life for all citizens in the Central
Okanagan by better connecting our communities and will
make it easier for residents to move from one part of
the region to another.”
It’s anticipated this project will begin in the fall
2016 and the plan will be completed by fall 2018.
The Regional District of Central Okanagan Strategic
Transportation Plan is receiving $600,000 from the
federal Gas Tax Fund. The STPCO is also contributing
1,050 hours to the project. The total estimated cost of
this project is $600,000.
This project is one of the 57 projects that are being
funded through the Strategic Priorities Fund under the
Federal Gas Tax Fund for 2016.
The Union of BC Municipalities administers the Federal
Gas Tax Fund in British Columbia in partnership with the
Government of Canada and the Province of British
Columbia.
Each year, the Government of Canada provides over $253
million in indexed funding for local government
infrastructure projects across British Columbia through
the federal Gas Tax Fund. The funding can be spent on
any eligible project the community prioritizes across a
broad range of eligible project categories, or it can be
pooled with other communities for regional projects,
banked for later priorities or used to pay for financed
projects.
Open letter to Murray Tekano, senior project director,
B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure):
I just read that this government has installed 13 HOV
signs at a cost of $91,000!
What a waste of taxpayers’ money.
The HOV lanes in Kelowna are a joke in the first place.
Reducing the times of usage was a great start to
removing them completely, or so I thought.
Throwing more money at this useless endeavour that is
ignored by most of the travelling public is so typical
of excess waste of public money by all levels of
government.
With the cost of everything going up could the
government stop wasting money until the economy recovers
and we can afford to give you extra money to waste?
Right now we need every penny just to pay for the
basics.
*Note* Below is only a snippet, please
click link above for entire content
AND WHEREAS the Regional Board deems it necessary to
amend the boundary of the said service area,
to include the following parcels, resulting from a fee simple subdivision where
the subdivision boundary did not align with the service area boundary:
Lots A & B, Sec 24 TP 23 & Sec 19&30 TP 24 ODYD, Plan EPP43159; and, to exclude
the following parcels, resulting from City of Kelowna expansions:
Lot B, DL 144&120 and Sec 24 TP 23 ODYD, Plan KAP51562; Strata Lots 1 to 99, DL
144&120 and Sec 24 TP 23 ODYD, Strata Plan KAS1411; Lot B, District Lot 123 ODYD
Plan EPP41714;
The boundary shall be as identified on Schedule "A" attached hereto;
2. ADDITION OF LATE ITEMS
Amend #8. to read Business Arising, 8.1 Adoption of Service Area Boundary
Amendment Bylaws; move Directors Items to #9; and move Adjourn to In Camera #10.
8. BUSINESS ARISING
8.1 Service Area Boundary Amendments - Central Okanagan
East Electoral Area (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
a) Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area "I"
Local Transit Service Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1358, 2015, ADOPTION
(All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
BAKER/DEHART
THAT Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area "I" Local Transit
Service Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1367 be adopted this 25th day of
January 2016.
CARRIED Unanimously
b) Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Fire
Protection Local Service Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1359, 2015 ADOPTION
(All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
HANSON/BAKER
THAT Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Fire Protection Local Service
Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1368 be adopted this 25th day of January 2016.
CARRIED Unanimously
c) Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Community
Parks Specified Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1360, 2015 ADOPTION (All
Directors - Unweighted Vote)
HANSON/BAKER
THAT Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area 'I' Ellison Heritage
Community Centre Local Service Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1369 be
adopted this 25th day of January 2016.
I cannot believe that authorities are actually thinking
about building a second bridge over Okanagan Lake from
the Westside to Kelowna. This idea is totally ridiculous
and absurd.
What Kelowna, and every other town, needs is a bypass
freeway. Major highways or freeways should never
directly enter a town and be funnelled through a few
dozen streetlights which are never in sequence but
always a stop and go costing time and money, fuel,
nerves and pollute the valley.
A Highway 97C turn off is required from the Pennask
Summit, which is relatively flat high terrain, directly
towards the northern end of Okanagan Lake bypassing
Vernon and running north towards Revelstoke as an
uninterrupted freeway with turn off ramps for Vernon,
Armstrong, Enderby and so on. More than 30 to 40 per
cent of all traffic would be avoided using the normal
road as it is now.
Also a bypass from Winfield to Penticton running around
the area of Joe Rich then connecting to the old Railway
Tracks south of the renovated bridges would be in order
to get an additional 30 to 40 per cent traffic off
congested Hwy. 97.
A second bridge would cost just as much as these two
bypasses and do nothing to relieve the stench of bad air
in our valley and still need to be funnelled through
endless traffic control lights.
Please people, use your common sense. In 1930 a well
known dictator built a freeway called the autobahn
network throughout Germany, bypassing every town, which
by now has been copied in every European country even in
the Third World. Do not tell me that the richest country
in the world cannot afford a proper road system.
There are no Highlights for Director Items,
so there are no Highlights for Director Item- Director Carson
saying that people are passing on Westside Road on a double
solid line and that nothing has changed.
There are no Agenda's for Director Items, so there is no Agenda
for Director Item- Director Carson saying that people are
passing on Westside Road on a double solid line and that nothing
has changed.
Nothing was mentioned in the Minutes about Director Carson
talking about people passing.
Chair Given extended appreciation to the Board for their
vote of confidence being acclaimed as chair for 2016, and is looking forward to
working with Vice Chair Ophus.
==============
5.3 Local Government Leadership Academy - 2016
Leadership Forum Feb. 3 - 5, 2016 and Electoral Area Directors Forum, Feb. 2-3,
2016 -, Richmond, BC (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
BAKER/FORTIN
THAT the Regional Board approve the Board Chair, Director Hanson and Director
Carson's attendance to LGLA Leadership Forum, Feb 3-5, 2016 and the Electoral
Area Directors Forum, Feb. 2-3, 2016, in Richmond, BC including registration and
travel expenses as per Board policy No. 7.15.
CARRIED Unanimously
================
Director Given was acclaimed Chair of the Regional District
for 2016.
Director Ophus was acclaimed Vice Chair of the Regional District for 2016.
Director Given was acclaimed Chair of the Regional Hospital District for 2016.
Director Ophus was acclaimed Vice Chair of the Regional Hospital District for
2016.
*Note* Below is only a
snippet of the subjects, please click link above for entire content.
So How Does This Affect the RDCO?
• One of the major complaints people have about living out along
the Westside Road is the Road itself.
• If the Road is improved such that people see it for the
beautiful thing it is, then perhaps more people will want out
live out there, buy the vacant lots, and build on them.
• This means more work for the RDCO
I am suggesting the RDCO take this under advisement and plan for
when the upgrades are completed.
BAKER/SIEBEN
THAT item 5.2 delegation be heard first.
CARRIED Unanimously
================
5.2 Westside Road Upgrades - "Where we are Today; Working
for the Future" - Jim Edgson, Cofounder of the MLA Westside Road Improvement
Committee (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
Jim Edgson provided an update on the Westside Road
upgrades. A committee was formed at the request of previous Member of the
Legislative Assembly (MLA) Rick Thorpe, and supported by the current MLA. The
committee works, as consensus driven, with the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure staff and have developed a good working relationship with
provincial staff regarding upgrades to Westside Road. The upgrades which have
been done over the past
ten years and $10mil was reviewed. The committee has worked with Tourism Kelowna
on promoting the tourism aspect of the road and its area.
It was noted that the upgrades and blasting currently being done will add to the
safety of those citizens using the road. The road is being significantly widened
in the current work area.
FORTIN/BAKER
THAT the presentation on the Westside Road Upgrades be received for information.
*Note* Below is only a
snippet, please click links above for entire content.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the following bylaws be repealed:
:> Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area "I" Local Transit
Service Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1358, 2015
:> Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Fire Protection Local Service
Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1359, 2015
:> Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Community Parks Specified Area
Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1360, 2015
:> Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area 'I' Ellison Heritage
Community Centre Local Service Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1361, 2015
AND FURTHER THAT the following bylaws be given 1st, 2nd and
3rd readings:
:> Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area "I" Local Transit
Service Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1367, 2015
:> Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Fire Protection Local Service
Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1368, 2015
:> Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area 'I' Ellison Heritage
Community Centre Local Service Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1369, 2015
Background:
The service areas are located in the community of Ellison, directly east of and
abutting, the boundary of the City of Kelowna. The mapping revisions are minor,
three areas on the map are pre-empted by City of Kelowna boundary expansions and
a fourth by an in-fill subdivision that was bisected by a service area boundary
line.
The amendment bylaws will not affect or change the purpose, intent, fees and
charges, or level of service that are currently in effect for any of the
services and are purely a matter of housekeeping.
5.1 Service Area Boundary Amendments - Central Okanagan
East Electoral Area (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
a) Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area "I"
Local Transit Service Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1358, 2015, REPEAL
(All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
b) Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Fire
Protection Local Service Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1359, 2015 REPEAL (All
Directors Unweighted Vote)
c) Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Community
Parks Specified Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1360, 2015 REPEAL (All
Directors - Unweighted Vote)
d) Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area 'I'
Ellison Heritage Community Centre Local Service Area Establishment Amending
Bylaw No. 1361, 2015 REPEAL (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
HANSON/SIEBEN
THAT
• Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area "I" Local Transit Service
Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1358, 2015 be repealed;
• Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Fire Protection Local Service
Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1359, 2015 be repealed;
• Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Community Parks Specified Area
Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1360; 2015 be repealed;
• Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area 'I' Ellison Heritage
Community Centre Local Service Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1361, 2015
be repealed.
CARRIED Unanimously
e) Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area "I" Local Transit
Service Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1367, 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings
(All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
f) Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Fire Protection Local Service
Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1368 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings (All Directors -
Unweighted Vote)
g) Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Community Parks Specified Area
Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1369 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings (All Directors -
Unweighted Vote)
HANSON/SIEBEN
THAT:
• Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area "I" Local Transit Service
Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1367 be given first, second and third
readings and forwarded to the Inspector for approval;
• Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Fire Protection Local Service
Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1368 be given first, second and third readings
and forwarded to the Inspector for approval;
• Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area 'I' Ellison Heritage
Community Centre Local Service Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1369 be
given first, second and third readings and forwarded to the Inspector for
approval:
Representatives from the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure and their consultants provided
information to Council on the Okanagan Lake Second
Crossing Project.
The project is in Phase 1 with the Central Okanagan
Planning Study (COPS). This phase involves data
collection and analysis which has been completed. Now an
assessment of future needs is underway which will be
followed by exploration of options and recommendations
for the future, likely in 2016. Consultation is expected
to be undertaken at every step. Council was advised
that, at this stage, every option is on the table and
being assessed. The Ministry and consultants will host
an open house this month. Questions that are being
pondered as part of the study include:
· How will future congestion affect West Kelowna?
· What is the most important function Highway 97 should
serve through West Kelowna?
· Can the highway facilitate community revitalization
and how?
· Should we try to balance high mobility (lower
congestion and shorter travel times) and high access
(frequent connections to communities)?
West Kelowna Councillors provided encouragement for the
Ministry and consultants to look seriously at realigning
the Highway 97 couplet through Westbank Centre. Council
will be provided with options at an upcoming meeting to
determine a position statement to provide to the
Ministry and its consultants.
*Note* Below is only a
snippet, please click links above for entire content.
Item 7.6 2016 2020 Financial Plan Request Items For
Preliminary Discussion
Capital Projects - funded by Electoral Area Central Okanagan
West Gas Tax Funds, transfers to capital and reserves.
• Fintry Community Parks - Park Infrastructure Installation (table, swim float)
boat launch area markers, etc.) (Carry Forward from 2015) $15.2k
• Killiney Beach Park - Park Improvements (swim float, picnic table) dog swim
beach trial area, etc.) (Carry Forward from 2015) $15.2k
• Westshore Estates Community Park - Park Improvements (Gazebo/Band Shelter,
Landscaping of Natural Area, etc.) $76.1k
• Killiney Beach Park - Access Road Improvements $76.2k
• Wilson's Landing - Proposed Community Boat Launch $60.9k
Item 7.6 2016 2020 Financial Plan Request Items For Preliminary
Discussion
7.6 2016 - 2020 Financial Plan Request Items for Preliminary Discussion -
For Information Only (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
Staff report dated October 13, 2015 provided a preview of
significant items and estimates for possible inclusion in the 2016-2020
Financial Plan. This is provided at this time for information and further
direction, if required.
Staff is aiming for little to no requisition increases in the 2016 budget. This
will be balanced with building reserves and sustainable asset management. Of
note, most capital projects are funded through reserves.
The review of the fire prevention service will come forward
Nov 12th
Regional Parks - there is a proposed increase in the number of operating
projects. The whole picture needs to be looked at when surpluses or deficits are
calculated. Putting dollars in reserves last year had a tax impact. There are
staff increases proposed.
Okanagan Regional Library - projected cost reductions. The
Library Board is reviewing percentage increases for electoral areas and WFN. A
Board decision is likely in November. Their proposal is to use the population
figures for the RDCO, not BC Statistics which are shown to be unfair.
BASRAN/DEHART
THAT the update on the 2016-2020 Financial Plan request items be received for
information.
CARRIED Unanimously
==================
Item 8.3 City Of Kelowna License Of Occupation Mission Creek
Regional Park Bus Stops
City of Kelowna Licence of Occupation - Mission Creek Regional Park Bus Stops
Purpose:
The purpose of this report is to seek approval from the Regional Board to
provide a 5 Year Licence of Occupation to the City of Kelowna to permit the
construction and operation of 2 Transit Stops/Shelters over a 71.7m2 and 44.4m2
portion of Mission Creek Regional Park along Springfield Road for a 5 year term.
Executive Summary:
The City of Kelowna wishes to construct and operate 2 enhanced Transit
Stops/Shelters along Springfield Road at Mission Creek Regional Park. In order
to do so, they require encroaching into Mission Creek Regional Park and have
requested to enter into a 5 Year Licence of Occupation to permit the
construction and operation of the Transit Stops/Shelters. The Licence of
Occupation would cover 71.7m2 at Springfield and Leckie Roads, and 44.4m2 at
Ziprick and Springfield Roads in Mission Creek Regional Park, and be renewable
on a 5 year cycle. The proposed improvements directly support improved transit
access to Mission Creek Regional Park and are mutually beneficial to both
parties.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Board approves providing a 5-Year Licence of Occupation to the
City of Kelowna for the construction and operation of 2 Transit/Shelters over a
71.7m2 and 44.4m2 portion of Mission Creek Regional Park along Springfield Road
for a 5-Year term.
The City of West Kelowna hopes to get some answers on a
wide range of topics at next week's Union of BC
Municipalities convention in Vancouver.
Mayor Doug Findlater said the city has scheduled
meetings with ministers of energy, transportation and
health, as well as local MLA, Premier Christy Clark.
The biggest issue for Findlater is transportation –
specifically, a corridor to a proposed second lake
crossing.
"We want to ensure a second corridor is studied and
presented as an option," said Findlater in advance of
the convention, which kicks off Monday.
"It may not be viable, but we want to ensure it's not
just another bridge that pours traffic on existing 97
and build a bunch of interchanges."
While Findlater doesn't have a specific route in mind,
he did say he sees a route going around the community
with connections to the city.
The Westbank couplet will also be part of the
discussion.
"That continues to be the biggest bottleneck between
Kelowna and Penticton. That continues to be an issue."
Also at the top of the list is a resolution by the city
asking the province to allocate more funds for wildfire
mitigation.
"It seems the premier has suggested we have a new normal
with long, hot, fiery summers. One way to deal with that
is to make sure wildfires coming in can be slowed down.
"We have another issue about fires, and that's a second
exit out of Glenrosa. In the meantime, we have a viable
summertime exit with Jackpine Lake Road, when it's
serviced."
Findlater said when a portion of Westside Road washed
into the lake in 2006, Jackpine was graded and became a
viable route.
He hopes to speak with Emergency Preparedness Minister
Naomi Yamamoto concerning outstanding financial issues
from last year's Smith Creek fire.
Findlater also hopes to meet with Energy Minister Bill
Bennett to get an update on the BC Hydro transmission
line project.
"And, given the amount of power outages on the Westside,
we have a second issue with BC Hydro. That is: what is
their assessment of the basic distribution
infrastructure, and do they have a plan to renew that?"
said Findlater.
"We want them to look at an asset management plan for
the distribution system."
The mayor also hopes to speak with a deputy within the
health ministry to talk about expanded services in West
Kelowna.
Findlater will be accompanied by all six councillors.
The UBCM convention runs all next week at the Vancouver
Convention Centre.
*Note* Below is only a
snippet, please click link above for entire content
Being a bylaw to amend the "Regional
District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area "I" Local Transit
Service Area Establishment Bylaw No. 528, 1992"
WHEREAS the Regional Board of the
Regional District of Central Okanagan established by Bylaw No.
528 cited as the "Regional District of Central Okanagan
Electoral Area "I" Local Transit Service Area Establishment
Bylaw No. 528, 1992" a service to provide transit for a portion
of Electoral Area I, now known as Central Okanagan East
Electoral Area.
AND WHEREAS the Regional Board deems it necessary to amend the
boundary of the said service area, to include the following
parcels, resulting from a fee simple subdivision where the
subdivision boundary did not align with the service area
boundary:
Lots A & B, Sec 24 TP 23 & Sec 19&30 TP 24 ODYD, Plan EPP43159;
and, to exclude the following parcels,
resulting from City of Kelowna expansions:
Lot B, DL 144&120 and Sec 24 TP 23 ODYD, Plan KAP51562;
Strata Lots 1 to 99, DL 144&120 and Sec 24 TP 23 ODYD, Strata
Plan KAS1411;
Lot B, District Lot 123 ODYD Plan EPP41714;
The boundary shall be as identified on
Schedule "A" attached hereto;
6.1 Service Area Boundary Amendments - Central Okanagan East Electoral Area
a) Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area "I" Local Transit
Service Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1358, 2015, Adoption (All
Directors - Unweighted Vote)
HANSON/CARSON
THAT Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area "I" Local Transit
Service Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1358, 2015 be adopted this 24th
day of August 2015.
CARRIED Unanimously
b) Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Fire Protection Local Service
Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1359,2015 Adoption (All Directors Unweighted
Vote)
HANSON/BAKER
THAT Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Fire Protection Local Service
Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1359, 2015 be adopted this 24th day of August
2015.
CARRIED Unanimously
c) Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Community Parks Specified Area
Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1360, 2015 Adoption (All Directors - Unweighted
Vote)
HANSON/CARSON
THAT Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Community Parks Specified
Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1360, 2015 be adopted this 24th day of
August 2015.
CARRIED Unanimously
d) Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area 'I' Ellison Heritage
Community Centre Local Service Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1361, 2015
Adoption (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
HANSON/CARSON
THAT Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area 'I' Ellison Heritage
Community Centre Local Service Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1361, 2015
be adopted this 24th day of August 2015.
CARRIED Unanimously
The Regional Board has authorized spending $152,000 in
Federal Gas Tax Community Works funding for water improvement projects in the
Joe Rich area. This funding will cover higher than expected costs in
implementing improvements to the Joe Rich Community Hall/Fire Hall water system
and Goudie Road Fire Hall water system.
*Note* Below is only a
snippet, please click links above for entire content
Item 8.1 Service Area Boundary Amendments Central Okanagan East
Electoral Area
Purpose:
To amend the boundaries of three service areas and one specified
area in the Central
Okanagan East Electoral Area.
Executive Summary:
The service areas and specified area are located in the
community of Ellison, directly east of and abutting, the
boundary of the City of Kelowna. The mapping revisions are
minor, three areas on the map are pre-empted by City of Kelowna
boundary expansions and a fourth by an in-fill subdivision that
was bisected by a service area boundary line.
The four amendment bylaws will not affect or change the purpose,
intent, fees and charges, or level of service that are currently
in effect for any of the services and are purely a matter of
housekeeping.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Board give 1st, 2nd, and 3rd readings to:
~ Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area "I" Local
Transit Service Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1358, 2015
~ Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Fire Protection
Local Service Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1359, 2015
~ Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Community Parks
Specified Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1360, 2015
~ Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area 'I'
Ellison Heritage Community Centre Local Service Area
Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1361, 2015
=======
Item 8.2 Community Works Funding Approval Central Okanagan East
Electoral Area
Purpose:
To seek authorization from the Board to
utilize the Gas Tax - Community Works Fund.
Executive Summary:
Federal Gas Tax Funds are provided to local governments across
Canada to help fund their local infrastructure needs
The Gas Tax - Community Works Fund additional funding
requirements associated with the Joe Rich water improvement
project is:
• $ 152,000 for Central Okanagan East.
Currently the Gas Tax - Community Works
Fund comprises of:
• $171,534 for Central Okanagan East, with an additional
$165,352 to be received in 2015.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Board authorizes $152,000 be approved for
water quality and capacity system improvements in Central
Okanagan East.
8.1 Service Area Boundary Amendments - Central Okanagan
East Electoral Area
Staff report dated July 20, 2015 noted that four service areas which are located
in the community of Ellison require amendments to the establishment bylaws in
order to correct mapping by City of Kelowna previous boundary expansions and a
fourth by an in-fill subdivision that was bisected by a service area boundary
line.
The amendments will not affect or change the purpose, intent, fees and charges,
or level of service that are currently in effect for any of the services and are
purely a matter of housekeeping.
a) Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area "I"
Local Transit Service Area Establishment Amending
Bylaw No. 1358, 2015, 1st, 2nd and 3rd reading (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
HANSON/OPHUS
THAT Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area "I" Local Transit
Service Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1358, 2015 be given first, second
and third readings this 27'h day of July 2015.
CARRIED Unanimously
b) Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison
Fire Protection Local Service Establishment
Amending Byiaw No. 1359, 2015 1st, 2nd and 3rd reading (All Directors -
Unweighted Vote)
HANSON/BAKER
THAT Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Fire Protection Local Service
Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1359, 2015 be given first, second and third
reading this 27th day of July 2015.
CARRIED Unanimously
c) Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Community
Parks Specified Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1360, 2015 1st, 2nd
and 3rd reading (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
FINDLATER/DEHART
THAT Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Community Parks Specified
Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1360, 2015 be given first, second and
third readings this 27th day of July 2015.
CARRIED Unanimously
d) Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area 'I'
Ellison Heritage Community Centre Local Service
Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1361, 2015 1st, 2nd and 3rd reading (All
Directors - Unweighted Vole)
GRAY/HANSON
THAT Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area 'I' Ellison Heritage
Community Centre Local Service Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1361, 2015
be given first, second and third readings this 27th day of July 2015.
CARRIED Unanimously
===
8.2 Community Works Funding Approval - Central Okanagan
East Electoral Area (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
Staff report dated July 20, 2015 outlined the Community
Works Funding planned for the Joe Rich water quality and capacity improvement
project for the Joe Rich Fire Service Area and the Goudie Road Fire Hall water
system. The question was raised why potable water standards must be met for this
project. Staff will reconfirm Interior Health potable water regulations to
determine if there is an alternate system which can be installed.
FINDLATER/CONDON
THAT the Regional Board authorizes $152,000 be approved for water quality and
capacity system improvements in Central Okanagan East Electoral Area.
Vernon council has done a roundabout on adding a western
bypass to its 25-year transportation plan.
At its regular meeting in July, council voted 4-3 to add
the site-specific bypass to the master transportation
plan. But immediately after that meeting, Coun. Dalvir
Nahal – who voted in favour of adding the bypass – asked
for a reconsideration of the motion at its next meeting,
which was Monday afternoon.
After considerable
discussion Monday, council voted 4-3 to not include the
site-specific western bypass in the plan.
A future bypass option with no specific site does remain
part of the master plan, and council authorized the
mayor to request assurance from the ministry of
transportation and infrastructure that it will include
bypass consideration in future regional transportation
plans.
“Until we get anything from the province confirming
that’s what we’re going to do, why are we going to put
restrictions on property owners?” said Nahal. “It
doesn’t make any sense.”
The western bypass extends from Mission Hill through
Okanagan Landing to Swan Lake and would replace 32nd
Street as the main highway route in Vernon. A previous
council scrapped the concept in 2008 after significant
public opposition.
Coun. Scott Anderson voted in opposition to the motion
reconsideration, saying the city should be pushing the
ministry of transportation to plan a bypass now.
“Downtown during peak months is a mess,” said Anderson.
“I think the time is sooner rather than later to be
looking at this. There’s no sense of urgency.”
Coun. Brian Quiring acknowledged that a bypass is
something the city will have to look at, but said there
are other issues to deal with in the short-term, like
Birnie and Stickle roads, that could help kick-start how
traffic moves through the community.
“It’s a little too far out on a horizon to be as
prescriptive as we were (about the bypass),” said
Quiring. “But not so far out on a horizon that we
shouldn’t at least have some consideration for it.”
Nahal didn’t disagree that a bypass is an issue the city
needs to consider.
“Saying these specific properties, this is where we want
to put it through, without having any confirmation from
the province, is not fair to the property owners,” she
said.
Check
the laws Castanet.net - by Contributed | Story:
144449 - Jul 20, 2015
I've been following the article about 'boats being tied
together creates a public space' and thought I'd bring
something related to your attention which will explain
my concern about this.
Several months ago the Kelowna RCMP decided that the
exemptions in the motor vehicle act regulations
(division 36) concerning child car seats were void and
started enforcing this on taxis in Kelowna. They were
stopping taxis, ejecting passengers and giving taxi
drivers tickets. The taxi companies took the police at
their word and stopped taking children as passengers
unless a car seat was provided.
I did some research, found the regulations involved and
asked the police about this. The police (a Constable
Monteith at the Central Okanagan Traffic Services) told
me that as the motor vehicle act itself gave no
exemptions the exemptions provisioned in the regulations
were void and taxis had to use car seats for children.
However, the motor vehicle act says nothing about child
car seats except to say that the Lieutenant Governor in
council can make regulations about them. In fact the act
specifies that its provisions on seat belts does not
apply to children under 16 at all.
I went on to make inquiries with the Ministry of Justice
who confirmed that the regulations do apply and the
exemptions do apply to taxis and that taxis do not have
to use child car seats.
Armed with this I went to one of Kelowna’s larges taxi
companies, gave them my research, they went on to do
their own research, confirmed all this and are now able
to carry children in their taxis without child car
seats.
So you can see that when the police say that something
is illegal you can't just take their word for it; you
have to check up on them. And the MOJ is the proper
source for this, not the RCMP.
A contentious traffic bypass is back on the books in
Vernon.
In a 4-3 vote Monday, city council voted to add the
western bypass to the 25-year master transportation
plan.
"There should be some language about the protection of a
western corridor," said Coun. Brian Quring.
The western bypass extends from Mission Hill through
Okanagan Landing to Swan Lake and would replace 32nd
Street as the main highway route in Vernon. A previous
council scrapped the concept in 2008 after significant
public opposition.
On Monday, city
staff called for a bypass to be referenced in the
transportation plan but it wasn't site specific.
"Simply referencing it is almost throwing it away if we
don't have some details. My intent is to make it more
specific," said Coun. Scott Anderson of identifying the
western bypass.
Opposition came from Mayor Akbal Mund and Councillors
Catherine Lord and Juliette Cunningham.
"That (designation) will start affecting all development
from now on," said Lord of the potential implication for
private property along the corridor.
Emergency authorities in Vernon knew nothing about a
supposed highway closure this morning.
They didn't even have a file referring to anything in
the area.
But, after a little digging, Castanet found out through
the Ministry of Transportation that a report from
DriveBC this morning contained some confusing
information.
The DriveBC statement referred to closure of Highway 97
five kilometres north of the Westside Road intersection.
That seemed like an odd way to locate an incident across
the lake in Kelowna, when they could have used Richter
Street as a locator, or even the 700 block of Harvey
Avenue, as the Kelowna Fire Department did.
The closure was actually due to a house fire overnight
in Kelowna.
==================
DriveBC report Highway 97 was
closed in both directions early this morning, north of
Vernon.
More details are not yet available from RCMP, but the
closure was said to be due to a "police incident."
The closure was located five kilometres north of the
Westside Road intersection, with a local detour put into
effect.
The highway was reopened just after 6 a.m., DriveBC
reports.
Re:
Second crossing Castanet.net - by Contributed | Story:
140428 - May 21, 2015
In regards to all those comments made about the bridge
and if we need a second one or not and when, I would
like to add the following:
When we had the old bridge with one lane each way and
the traffic was standing it was the bridges fault and we
needed a new one. Then we got a new one, however, not
much has changed. Traffic is still standing still on the
bridge at times and again, it’s blamed on the bridge.
Well, it is not! When traffic comes to a standstill it’s
a problem at either end. Kelowna can’t handle the
traffic and neither can the west side. It does not
matter how big the funnel is on the top, the hole at the
bottom determines how fast it will drain. A second
bridge will widen the top, however, the hole at the
bottom is still the same. As long we do not have a “very
good solution” how to handle the amount at the bottom,
we should not consider to widen the top. We could try it
by synchronizing the traffic lights for example, at a
fraction of the cost of a new bridge and see what
happens.
Roger von Dach
Kelowna
Where
and when? Castanet.net - by Jennifer Zielinski |
Story: 140250 - May 20, 2015
Dozens of people turned out Tuesday to give their
opinions on a second bridge across Okanagan Lake.
The Ministry of Transportation open house at the Ramada
Hotel focused on the performance of Highway 97 through
the Central Okanagan.
District manager Murray Tekano said it's a way to show
the public information collected on the operation of the
corridor.
“This is part of the Central Okanagan planning study,
which is the pivotal piece of work we are doing to
identify the needs for transportation improvements in
the corridor, including a second crossing of the lake,”
he said.
When the five-lane William R. Bennett Bridge opened in
2008, it was estimated the bridge would serve the
region’s traffic needs for 25 years or more. Traffic
counts confirm that, but planning has begun for the day
a second bridge is needed.
Most of those in attendance were curious about when that
might be and where it would be built.
One resident said putting a second crossing downtown at
the base of Knox Mountain would make the area more
congested. He would like to see a bridge closer to
Vernon.
Another said Kelowna is a great place to visit, but
needs better access to the city, so he would like a
second bridge sooner rather than later.
Tekano says the study also looked at operating
conditions of the highway, congested intersections and
safety concerns.
“These (items) are all helpful to us as we look at what
can we do or what should we do in the immediate or near
term and what might be part of a future crossing over
the lake.”
Former mayor Walter Gray attended the open house and
said he strongly believes a second crossing will help
mitigate traffic issues in the city.
“I can envision a second crossing that would also be the
truck route, so that all trucks that currently come
across the W.R Bennet Bridge would no longer come that
way, which would keep trucks off of Harvey Avenue,
Highway 97, and they would take the other way around,”
he said.
A second open house takes place this afternoon in West
Kelowna, at the Westbank Lions Community Centre,
starting at 4:30 p.m., or you can go online at
engage.gov.bc.ca/okanagansecondcrossing.
Second crossing Castanet.net - by Contributed | Story:
140203 - May 19, 2015
A reporter went out and asked people if we need another
bridge and was able to find only those who don't depend
on the bridge. Until you have sat on the bridge stuck in
traffic how would you know? Of course we need another
bridge, ASAP! If traffic wasn't so bad I would even
consider going into Kelowna on my days off, but who
wants to deal with it when they don't have to go to
work. I have to leave my house an hour before I have to
be at work just so I know I won't be late and I have
been late because of traffic.
The provincial study that includes
looking at options for a second crossing of Okanagan
Lake is about to turn to the public for input.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure district
manager Murray Tekano told West Kelowna council earlier
this week that with the initial assessment work now
nearly done by the technical planning committee,
inclusion of the community planning committee can start.
That work will include a public open house "very soon"
to show the public what the technical committee has
learned and to gather public input.
The two-year, $2 million study, which is looking at
transportation issues between Lake Country and Peachland
includes, but is not limited to, identifying a corridor
for, and a location of, a second crossing.
While the technical planning committee involves local
governments from throughout the valley, the community
planning committee includes economic development,
emergency services, cycling and boating organizations,
as well as representatives of the public.
Tekano's presentation did not give specifics about
corridor or crossing locations but in response to a
question from Coun. Rusty Ensign, said both should be
identified by the time the study wraps up in 2017.
But, he added, even then it would likely be years before
a second crossing would be built. When the current WR
Bennett Bridge was build in 2008, the province estimated
a second crossing would not be needed for 20 years. That
would put it at 2028, just 13 years from now.
Tekano said before any final decision is made, there
would be more consultation with local government and the
public.
One of the concerns expressed by West Kelowna Mayor Doug
Findlater is that in the long-term, funnelling traffic
from a second crossing onto the existing Highway 97 on
the Westside would "not be sustainable."
He made a pitch for a bypass route, something Tekano
said will be looked at as part of the study's overall
work.
But where that bypass would go is still a question.
Previous studies have indicated that it could be in the
hills above West Kelowna and eventually join the
Okanagan Connector. But such a route would be very
expensive as, among other considerations, a high-level
bridge would be required over Lynn Canyon.
Tekano said the corridor on the Westside is a "critical"
part of what the two planning groups will be looking at.
"The crossing is one thing, but how you get there (is
just as important)," said Tekano.
He did not give a date for when the public open house
will be held during his appearance before West Kelowna
council Tuesday night, but said it will be happening
"very soon.
Nothing was mentioned in the Highlights about Item 10.1
Application To Strategic Priorities Fund Capacity Building
Transit Fare Increases Approved
The Regional Board has approved proposed fare increases
affecting Kelowna Regional Transit riders. The new rates for single rides,
ticket packages and monthly passes will take effect September 1st to coordinate
with fall and winter service changes. This is the first increase in transit
fares since 2012. A proposed September 2016 increase in the U-Pass program rates
requires approval in a referendum of UBCO students. The Regional District is a
municipal partner in Kelowna Regional Transit which operates a small
conventional bus service with two trips a day Monday through Saturday in the
Ellison area of Central Okanagan East.
*Note* Below is only a
snippet, please click links above for entire content
SUBJECT: Application to Strategic Priorities Fund -
Capacity Building
Purpose: To seek Board approval to make an application for
Strategic Priorities Funding under the Capacity Building Stream for a Regional
Strategic Transportation Plan.
Executive Summary:
The Strategic Priorities Fund (SPF) program was launched in December 2014. This
funding program has a 'Capital Infrastructure Projects' and 'Capacity Building'
stream that provides access to 'pooled' Gas Tax funding for communities outside
of the Lower Mainland on an application basis. Each local government is allowed
up to two capital and one capacity building applications per year.
As a member of the Sustainable Transportation Partnership
of the Central Okanagan (STPCO) Regional District staff have identified the
Regional Strategic Transportation Plan as a key project with regional
significance and hereby nominate it, on behalf of the STPCO partners as our
'Capacity Building Project' under the SPF Program for 2015.
One of the specific objectives set out in the MOU creating
the STPCO was 'to establish region wide unified policies and strategic
transportation plans'. The completion of the Regional Strategic Transportation
Plan will accomplish that objective.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Board approve the 'Capacity Building' application to the Union
of BC Municipalities' Strategic Priorities Fund for six hundred thousand dollars
($600,000) for funding the Regional Strategic Transportation Plan.
================
SUBJECT: Transit Fares Changes
Purpose: To seek Board approval to increase Transit fares
in accordance with Appendix 3 attached to this report.
Executive Summary:
The Regional District is a municipal partner in the Kelowna Regional Transit
System and operates a small conventional service in the Ellison Area of Central
Okanagan East that is limited to 2 trips per day, Monday to Saturday. This
service is a small part of a much larger Tier 1 Transit System that is
administered through the City of Kelowna.
One of the responsibilities we have as a municipal partner
in the Kelowna Regional Transit System is participating in the development of,
and where in agreement, approving changes to fares. The need to increase transit
fares was presented to the STPCO CAO Committee who supports the proposed
increases as outlined in Appendix 3 attached to this report. These fare changes
do three things:
1. Standardizes the payment and collection of cash fares
and encourages the use of discounted monthly passes and ticket packages;
2. Supports the Board approved principle of achieving a 30% cost recovery for
transit services;
3. Allows for continued capital investment and service improvements in the
system.
The last fare increase was in 2012 and there have been
significant improvements to transit service and the supporting infrastructure
since that time. The general fare increases will go into effect September 1,2015
to coordinate with transit service changes for the fall and winter. The increase
for UBCO (UPass) is subject to a student referendum and if it is approved, will
take effect September 1, 2016.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Board approve a fare change, as detailed in Appendix 3 attached to this
report with an effective date of September 1st, 2015 and subject to student
referendum approval, a UPASS increase effective September 1st, 2016.
10.1 Application to Strategic Priorities Fund - Capacity
Building (All Directors Unweighted Vote)
Staff report dated March 17, 2015 outlined a request for
Board support to make an application for Strategic Priorities Fund grant under
the capacity building stream for a regional strategic transportation plan. Each
local government is allowed up to two capital and one capacity building
applications per year. As a member of the Sustainable Transportation Partnership
of the Central Okanagan (STPCO) regional district staff have identified the
regional strategic transportation plan as a key project with regional
significance.
This is phase 2 of the transportation plan. If funding is
not received what happens to the plan? Ron Westlake, City of Kelowna
Transportation Manager, was in attendance and noted there may be other grant
opportunities but if funds
are not received then plans will need to be scaled back.
BAKER/OPHUS
THAT the Regional Board approve the 'Capacity Building' application to the Union
of BC Municipalities Strategic Priorities Fund for six hundred thousand dollars
($600,000) for funding the Regional Strategic Transportation Plan.
CARRIED Unanimously
===============
10.2 Transit Fare Increase (All Directors - Unweighted
Vote)
Staff report dated March 17, 2015 outlined that the
Regional District is a municipal partner in the Kelowna Regional Transit System
and operates a small conventional service in the Ellison Area of the Central
Okanagan east that is limited to 2 trips per day-Monday thru Saturday. This
service is a small part of the transit system administered through the City of
Kelowna.
The other municipal partners have approved a fare increase
to go into effect September 1, 2015. It was noted that the increase for the UBCO
(UPass) is subject to a student referendum and if approved, will take effect
September 1, 2016.
It was noted that the system is striving to get a 30% recovery. Today recovery
is running at 26-27%. Transit staff will continue to look at fare increases in
the future to recover costs and various fares levels particularly 'cash' fares.
More
transit users are using monthly passes. It was noted that although the cost to
ride the bus will be $2.50, it actually costs the system $9.00 per transit
ride-that is how much subsidy is being provided to the service.
FORTIN/SINGH
THAT the Regional Board approve a fare change, as detailed in Appendix 3 (City
of Kelowna report to Council) with an effective date of September 1, 2015 and
subject to student referendum approval, a UPASS increase effective September
1,2016.
This came by email
after filling out the Ministry of Transportations 10
Year Transportation Survey
I am pleased to let you know the
ministry's 10-year transportation plan, B.C. on the
Move, and the report sharing the outcomes of the public
engagement process have now been published.
The Regional Board has approved sending a resolution to
the Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) convention this
spring in Kamloops. The resolution asks that the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure set up a formal process to lower the speed limit on certain rural
highways. The request for a resolution was made by Central Okanagan East
Electoral Area Director Patty Hanson regarding the increase in the speed limit
on Highway 33 in the Joe Rich area from 80 kilometres an hour to 100 kilometres
an hour. The resolution expresses concern of some rural residents about road
safety since many rural highway speed limits were raised in 2014.
*Note* Below is only a
snippet, please click link above for entire content
Reduction of Speed Limits to 80 k/hr on
Rural Highways
WHEREAS the safety of rural highways in
British Columbia is being questioned by many residents living in
rural BC since the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
increased the speed limit on many of these highways to 100 k/hr
in 2014;
AND WHEREAS speed limits in rural British Columbia do vary from
region to region;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure be requested to formalize a process of lowering
the speed limit on rural highways that pass through rural
communities and neighbourhoods upon receipt of a Regional Board
resolution to that effect.
9.1 Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA)
Proposed Resolution to the 2015 Convention re: Reduction of Speed Limits on
Rural Highways (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
Director Hanson requested support for a resolution to
SILGA's 2015 Convention.
In 2014, the speed limit was raised along Highway 33. Joe
Rich citizens have raised the issue to the area Director that the speed limit is
too high to safely travel the road for its citizens who live and travel in the
area.
It was noted that the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure increased
speed limits throughout BC. The Joe Rich community association has met with
Ministry staff to request a review and reduction in the speed limit, but to date
this has not occurred.
SIEBEN/STACK
THAT the Regional Board approves submitting the following resolution to the
Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) 2015 Convention for
consideration:
WHEREAS the safety of rural highways in British Columbia is being questioned by
many residents living in rural BC since the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure increased the speed limit on many of these highways to 100 k/hr
in 2014;
AND WHEREAS speed limits in rural British Columbia do vary from region to
region;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
be requested to formalize a process to allow for the lowering of the speed limit
on certain highways that pass through rural communities and neighbourhoods upon
receipt of a Regional Board resolution to that effect.
The land-swap agreement reached last week between the
provincial government and Westbank First Nation offers
even more land than West Kelowna residents balked at in
2011.
The initial agreement offered 698 acres of Crown land
around the Rose Valley reservoir in exchange for eight
acres of WFN land required for construction of the
Westside Road interchange.
The municipality and residents of West Kelowna raised an
uproar that eventually killed that deal. But last week's
revised agreement puts together a
package of land and cash
included approximately 670 acres of Crown land plus 65
acres of private land.
Two of the properties are within the Agricultural Land
Reserve.
According to the province, the total value of the
package is $6 million and includes $1.5 million in cash
from the government.
Once the sale is complete, exact locations of the
properties will be released, but the province has said
the Crown land is located along McCulloch Road, between
WFN reserves at Medicine Creek and Medicine Hill. The
two ALR private properties are within the City of
Kelowna on Spiers Road and Hereron Road.
A third piece of private land is located on the eastern
shores of Lower Arrow Lake, near Fauquier, on Starlite
Road.
A tentative agreement has been reached between the
province and Westbank First Nation on a land exchange.
The exchange is born out of an agreement between the two
governments in which eight acres of reserve lands were
given to the province in 2009 for construction of the
Westside Road interchange.
Originally, the province agreed to an exchange of 698
acres of Crown land at the north and east side of Rose
Valley Reservoir. The District of West Kelowna and its
resident balked at the idea, and the swap was eventually
scrapped.
The package of lands and cash being considered includes
four parcels of Crown or private land and $1.5 million
in cash to be used for mutually agreed upon future land
purchases.
Parcels of land in the proposed exchange include:
Two private agricultural properties within the City of
Kelowna on Spiers Road and Hereron Road.
One private property on the eastern shores of Lower
Arrow Lake near Fauquier on Starlite Road.
One Crown land parcel located east of Kelowna along
McCulloch Road, adjacent to lands held by Westbank First
Nation at Medicine Hill.
The Westside interchange project was part of an
agreement the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure and Westbank First Nation entered into in
2005, to work together to facilitate Highway 97 upgrade
projects through the WFN reserve.
Projects completed under the agreement include the
William R. Bennett Bridge, the Campbell and Westside
road interchanges and the Sneena overpass
*Note* This is only a snippet, please
click link above for entire content
Background
MOTI has initiated Central Okanagan Planning Study
• Includes possible future second crossing of Okanagan Lake
• Involves extensive stakeholder and public input
5.1 Murray Tekano, Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure re: Okanagan Lake Second Crossing Project
Murray Tekano, District Manager, Ministry of
Transportation and Infrastructure provided an overview of the Province's
decision to initiate a Central Okanagan Planning Study which includes the
possible future second crossing of Okanagan
Lake.
This work involves extensive stakeholder and public
input. The study objectives were highlighted: build on previous work; develop
potential route proposals (public needs, community land use plans, provincial
transportation priorities); include
consideration of a second crossing on Okanagan Lake; consider project delivery
models. A review of the public and stakeholder engagement was provided
(community working group, technical advisory committee, senior advisory group).
The project schedule was noted: began summer 2014 with completion by the fall
2016.
STACK/GRAY
THAT the Governance and Services Committee receive for information the
presentation by Murray Tekano, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
regarding the Okanagan Lake Second Crossing Project.
The Proposed Resolution for 2015 SILGA Convention regarding
reduction of speed limits was a Director Item so nothing was mentioned in the
Highlights about it.
The Proposed Resolution for 2015 SILGA Convention regarding
reduction of speed limits was a Director Item so nothing was
mentioned in the Agenda about it.
b) Director Hanson Proposed Resolution for 2015 SILGA
Convention regarding reduction of speed limits on rural highways. The Director
will bring forward a resolution for consideration at the February 23rd Board
meeting.
A movie’s budget doesn’t have to be large to make a
difference.
Unseen, an independent feature, will be filming for
seven days in the North Okanagan next week, and another
small-scale movie could begin shooting Feb. 16.
“A 1 to $1.5 million movie is enough to make a good
horror or suspense film,” said Jon Summerland, with the
Okanagan Film Commission.
The productions use local motels, restaurants and other
services, which boost the economy. However, there is a
more critical long-term impact.
“They hire all locals and that helps building a crew
here (for future movies),” said Summerland.
Unseen stars Aden Young (Rectify, Killer Elite, I
Frankenstein) and Julia Sarah Stone (Wet Bum, Vampire
Dog, Sunday’s Child).
Filming will take place
along Westside Road and at the Little Kingdom store on
the Okanagan Indian Reserve.
“There is a car accident in the middle of nowhere during
the film and there are some great vistas there,” said
Summerland of Westside Road.
“The grocery store is also a great location.”
While there has been a lot of focus on Sir Anthony
Hopkins recently filming a movie in Enderby, Vernon and
Lumby, Summerland believes small, independent
productions help the valley’s film sector.
“It’s more exposure and more people know about the area.
It’s another notch in the belt,” he said.
As for the other movie that begins shooting Feb. 16,
Summerland is unable to provide any details, including
locations.
“They are looking at the North Okanagan,” he said.
SOME
QUICK FACTS ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS TO WESTSIDE ROAD, KELOWNA
BC
Westside Road improvements Province of BC - published on 3 Oct
2014
Over the next five years, $45
million is being invested to make Westside Road safer
for local families and tourists in West Kelowna.
You-Tube video published on 11
Jul 2013
Today, Premier Christy Clark announced
an additional $1
million for paving work on Westside Road.
This is
in addition to
the $5.5 million in work already underway
this year on Westside Road, improving safety on a
corridor important to local residents and the Okanagan
tourism industry.
Starting later in July, approximately five kilometres of
intermittent paving will be carried out along a
15-kilometre section of the road between Jenny Creek and
Caesar's Landing. This work will smooth out the ride and
improve safety for residents and tourists. The project
is valued at $1 million.
This work builds on the previously announced four
kilometres of
paving work between
Caesar's Landing and Nahun, valued at $650,000,
bringing the total length of paving on Westside Road
this year to over nine kilometres.
In addition, the
$3-million project to
improve lane and shoulder widths and realign a 500-metre
section of Westside Road from Blue Grouse to Jenny Creek
is on schedule and nearly complete.
You-Tube video published on 11 Jul 2013
Between Wilson's Landing and Jenny Creek (Blue Grouse to
Jenny Creek)
Less than a day after Christy Clark won a landslide
majority in the Westside-Kelowna byelection, she
announced an additional $1M in funding for paving
improvements to Westside Road. The stretch of road is
known as being one of the most dangerous in the
province, and the government is hoping that recent
improvements will help to curb injuries and deaths on
Westside Road.
Clark also discussed her election campaign and
expectations going into election day.
$1 million for additional paving on Westside Road Transportation Thursday, July 11, 2013
WEST KELOWNA - Today, Premier Christy Clark announced an
additional $1 million for paving work on Westside Road.
This is in addition to the $5.5 million in work already
underway this year on Westside Road, improving safety on
a corridor important to local residents and the Okanagan
tourism industry.
"Westside Road serves a number of the Okanagan's most
popular resorts and campgrounds, as well as over a
thousand residents," said Premier Clark. "It's not
acceptable to have it named B.C.'s worst road. With over
$6.5 million in improvements this year, we're going to
continue to invest in Westside Road, and make it safer
for everyone."
Starting later in July, approximately five kilometres of
intermittent paving will be carried out along a
15-kilometre section of the road between Jenny Creek and
Caesar's Landing. This work will smooth out the ride and
improve safety for residents and tourists. The project
is valued at $1 million.
This work builds on the previously announced four
kilometres of paving work between Caesar's Landing and
Nahun, valued at $650,000, bringing the total length of
paving on Westside Road this year to over nine
kilometres.
In addition, the $3-million project to improve lane and
shoulder widths and realign a 500-metre section of
Westside Road from Blue Grouse to Jenny Creek is on
schedule and nearly complete.
Work completed on Westside Road this year includes a
northbound slow-moving-vehicle pullout near Wilson
Landing, and 380 metres of realignment and widening with
concrete roadside barrier installation at Cinnabar
Creek. Work still underway includes a southbound
slow-moving-vehicle pullout 1.5 kilometres north of Bear
Lake Forest Service Road near Pine Point.
The government of B.C. has increased investment in
Westside Road in recent years, to make travel safer and
more efficient.
Realignment, paving and
slow-moving-vehicle pullout projects total $10.3 million
since 2008, including $6.5 million this year alone.
Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested more than
$600 million in upgrading highways, roads, bridges and
transit in the Okanagan.
Westside Road is 65 kilometres long, located on the west
side of Okanagan Lake between Highway 97 in West Kelowna
and Highway 97 near Vernon.
Westside Road serves local
population estimated at
approximately 1,200 residents.
Traffic volumes are in the range of 1,000 vehicles per
day.
Summer traffic volumes on the section between West
Kelowna and Bear Creek Provincial Park can peak at 2,500
vehicles per day.
A total of seven pullouts for slow moving vehicles have
been added (six completed, one under construction).
The government of B.C.
has invested $10.3 million in safety improvements to
Westside Road since 2008.
Major Kelowna and area transportation infrastructure
investments since 2001:
Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested more than
$600 million in upgrading highways, roads, bridges and
transit in the Okanagan. Some of the major projects
include:
Westside Road
Interchange - $41 million.
Highway 33 Muir to Gallagher four-laning - $25 million
in partnership with the City of Kelowna.
Highway 33 Walker Hill climbing lane - $5 million.
Expansion of Highway 97 through Kelowna to six lanes (HOV
lanes) - $17.1 million.
Highway 97 Campbell Road Interchange - $26 million in
partnership with Westbank First Nation.
University of British Columbia Okanagan flyover - $11.44
million in partnership with City of Kelowna and UBC
Okanagan.
W.R. Bennett Bridge, a new five-lane bridge across
Okanagan Lake - $145 million.
Contact:
Kate Trotter
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241
The current Regional Board has held its last meeting for
the present term. Retiring Chair Robert Hobson thanked all Board members for
their diligence and dedication over the past three years. He also thanked
retiring Directors Jim Edgson, Gerry Zimmermann and Walter Gray for their
service. The Board also recognized Chair Hobson for his 21 years of leadership.
He was first appointed to the Regional Board in 1990.
Director Hanson noted the Ministry of
Transportation staff recently addressed the Joe Rich Community
Association regarding the speed on Hwy. 33 being raised to 100.
Residents will continue to lobby the MOTI to reduce the speed
limit.
Board members reflected on the last three years at the RDCO.
Chair Hobson was thanked for his exemplary
leadership over the last 21 years as Board chair.
Construction on the $9.3M Sneena Road overpass project,
which began back in April, is expected to be complete by
the end of the month.
Project manager, Evelyn Lube, says everything is weather
dependent.
"We'll be opening the road as soon as all the final
things are done. We're at the stage where we're at the
mercy of the weather a bit so as long as the weather
holds and continues to stay fairly mild, we'll be able
to get all of our paving done," says Lube.
"There's paving and then there is work that has to be
done afterwards, there's some barricades that have to be
put up, line painting is another one that is weather
dependent. But, it looks good for opening the road the
first week of December."
There are actually two phases to the project, the
extension of Tomat Road to the roundabout next to the
new mall and the new road which extends from the
roundabout and connects with Campbell Road.
That portion includes the underpass which crosses under
Highway 97 part way up bridge hill.
If the weather holds, Lube expects final paving work to
be done on both this week.
This is the fourth highway project along that stretch of
highway in the past 10 years.
The others included construction of the new William R.
Bennett Bridge, the Westside Road overpass and Nancee
Way overpass.
This bridge is just fine for now...and for decades.
The elegant W.R. Bennett bridge is only six years old
and will serve the Okanagan well for decades to come,
Columnist Ron Seymour writes, saying the government is
wasting $2 million on studying another crossing.
More than another bridge is in view in a second corridor
study being done by the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure, said Murray Tekano, district manager of
MOTI.
The $2-million
study, funded by the province, will take about three
years and was announced by MOTI Minister Todd Stone in
September. Tekano brought an early report to both West
Kelowna and Peachland councils.
He said the study will include
the entire corridor from Peachland through to Vernon,
looking at both sides of Okanagan Lake. It will build on
previous work done in the 1990s, develop potential
routes, assess public needs, look at land use plans and
provincial transportation priorities.
A big component of the study
will be public input meetings.
“The long term vision will look
at how could this be delivered,” said Tekano.
For example, the William R.
Bennett Bridge, opened in 2008, was built with a
private-public partnership.
Options will be ready to review
from the winter of 2015 through fall 2016.
Mayor Doug Findlater said since
he’d learned at the Union of B.C. Municipalities
convention this fall that the study would be a complete
corridor study, he’s realized, “This puts the Westbank
couplet back on the agenda.” He added that
significant development is expected in Peachland and
Glenrosa, and a bypass route may be more feasible than
thought earlier.
On an average day, 50,000 to
60,000 vehicles pass through the Highway 97 corridor.
“It’s a little less in West Kelowna, but it’s very, very
busy,” said Tekano. He noted new left turn signals
make it safer but also take time away from through
traffic.
Findlater asked
that the study look at Westside Road, because with
improvements to that road more traffic is using it as an
alternate route from here to Vernon. He wondered
if that will mean more traffic for the intersection at
Westside Road and Highway 97. Tekano assured him
all intersections will be looked at.
Coun. Bryden Winsby asked that
studies done as early as the 80s be considered, and
Tekano said he is aware of those studies and the routes
identified then, and they will be looked at again.
“I’m assuming if a bypass is not possible, we’d be given
good reasons. There may be technical reasons, not just
financial,” said Winsby.
Coun. Carol Zanon called
Tekano’s report a reassuring start, but asked for
interim reports. The municipality has to consider future
commerce, couplet ideas, updates of the official
community plan and other land use considerations.
Tekano said the study will
include technical, social and economic issues.
TRANSPORTATION SURVEY
(fill out survey
between October 14, 2014 and December 12, 2014 at 4
p.m.)
Ways to Participate
Public input will be considered, along with technical
information, as the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure develops its next 10-year plan: B.C. on
the Move.
Copies of the Discussion Guide and Survey will be
available at Service BC Centres, First Nation Band
Offices and public libraries across the province, later
in October.
Regionally Significant Gas Tax Funding
The Regional Board has approved transferring previously authorized Regionally
Significant Gas Tax Funding for unbudgeted improvements at the Queensway Transit
Exchange. A surplus of $259,000 will be transferred from the Orchard Park Mall
transit exchange improvement project in order to construct a Security Pavilion,
transit sales outlet and washroom facility at the Queensway exchange.
=============
Gas Tax Community Works Funding Projects
The Regional Board has authorized a number of infrastructure projects for
residents in the two Electoral Areas. A total of $142,000 in Federal Gas Tax
Funds allocated to Central Okanagan West will be spent on upgrades to the
Westshore and Killiney Beach water systems. In Central Okanagan East, $25,000 in
Gas Tax - Community Works Funds will be used for equipment to reduce energy
consumption for the Sunset Ranch water system. In addition, funds from each
electoral area Gas Tax account will be used for a regional floodplain risk
assessment and mapping project.
=============
Nothing was mentioned in the Highlights about
Item 6.3 3rd Quarter Workplan And Budget Variance Report
*Note* This is only a snippet, please
click links above for entire content.
Recommendation
THAT the Regional District Board approve the transfer of
$259,000 of Regionally Significant Gas Tax Funding from Orchard
Park Mall transit exchange to construction of a Security
Pavilion and Washrooms at the Queensway Exchange.
=============
Purpose: To seek authorization from the
Board to utilize the Gas Tax - Community Works Fund.
The intent of this application is to
fund projects in both Central Okanagan Electoral Area West and
Central Okanagan 81ectoral Area East that are eligible the Gas
Tax - Community Works Fund. The proposed projects described
within this document will result in reduced greenhouse gas
emissions, energy consumption and operating and capital costs.
The projects are not only intended to lead to more positive
environmental outcomes but also contribute to a safe and healthy
community.
Project proposals include a floodplain
risk assessment and mapping project and water system
improvements such as water system improvement plans, leak
detection equipment and water treatment equipment.
The Gas Tax - Community Works Fund
funding requirements associated with the proposed projects are:
Electoral East - $25,000
Electoral West - $142.000
Executive Summary:
Federal Gas Tax Funds are provided to local governments across
Canada to help fund their local infrastructure needs. Project
eligibility categories have been expanded in 2014. Projects
described in the attached proposal are eligible for Gas Tax -
Community Works Fund funding and will provide important
infrastructure improvements for Electoral Area residents.
The Gas Tax - Community Works Fund
funding requirements associated with the proposed projects are:
• $142,000 for Central Okanagan West.
• $25,000 for Central Okanagan East.
Currently the Gas Tax - Community Works
Fund comprises of:
• $425,741 for Central Okanagan West.
• $191,535 for Central Okanagan East.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Board authorizes staff to proceed with project
proposal requests identified in the October 16, 2014 Proposal
for Community Works Fund-Gas Tax Funding report;
AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to bring forward the
appropriate 2014 budget amendment bylaw.
Westshore Water System $61,000
(we counted $71,000)
Killiney Beach Water System $66,000
(we counted $79,000)
Sunset Ranch Water System $10,000
====================
Purpose:
To provide the Board with third quarter year-to-date information
pertaining to the 2014 work plan and budget variance report.
Executive Summary:
Staff are pleased to present the 3rd Quarter Work Plan and
Budget Variance Report for 2014.
The format of this report is a departure
from previous Quarterly Reports and is intended to graphically
illustrate that the work plan for each of our services is on
schedule and on budget.
Any exceptions to the foregoing are red flagged and explained
with a special notation.
This 3rd Quarter Report indicates that projects and work plans
are well underway and are generally progressing as planned.
At this point in time, both revenues and
expenses are within anticipated budget parameters, with the
following exception: 1.
Function 306 - Trepanier Bench Water:
User Rate revenues are not expected to meet or exceed expected
expenses; year-end projections anticipate a shortfall between
$5,500 & $6,000 that will need to be paid in next year's budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose
To provide a third quarter Financial Exception Report on the
2014 work plan, to red-flag any areas of concern, to highlight
items of interest and to answer any questions the Board may
have.
A year-to-date budget variance chart is
provided for each service, accompanied by operational details
for selected services.
6.2
Transfer of Regionally Significant Gas Tax Funding (All
Directors Unweighted Vote)
City of
Kelowna staff report dated October 21, 2014 outlined the
requirement to redirect previously committed Regional
Significant Gas Tax Funding from Orchard Park Mall transit
exchange to the Kelowna Queensway Exchange. As this is a
Regional District grant fund, Regional Board approval is
required.
OPHUS/BAKER
THAT the Regional Board approve the transfer of $259,000 of
Regionally Significant Gas Tax Funding from Orchard Park Mall
transit exchange to construction of a security pavilion and
washrooms at the Queensway Exchange.
Nothing was mentioned in the Highlights about Director Item
- COW Director Jim Edgson - 45 million to upgrade Westside Road, and all about
the Westside Road Improvement Committee because this was a Director item.
Nothing was mentioned in the Agenda about Director Item - COW
Director Jim Edgson - 45 million to upgrade Westside Road, and all about the
Westside Road Improvement Committee, because this was a Director item.
Nothing was
mentioned in the minutes about Westside Road Improvements being kept
confidential or about the 45 million dollar upgrades to Westside Road.
Major work is expected along what some residents have
classified as B.C.’s worst road.
The provincial government announced Friday that it’s
proceeding with $45 million in upgrades along Westside
Road over five years.
“The Westside Road improvement committee has been
working on this since 2003,” said Jim Edgson, the North
Westside Road electoral area director, who has been
active with the residents’ committee.
“With $10 million already been spent, this additional
$45 million is certainly welcome.”
Among the concerns about Westside Road are it’s narrow,
windy and vehicles can plunge down the steep bank into
Okanagan Lake.
“For too many years now Westside Road has been on the
BCAA worst roads list and our government is going to fix
that,” said Premier Christy Clark and Westside-Kelowna
MLA, during Friday’s press conference.
“We made a commitment to improve safety and reliability
on Westside Road, and we’re delivering.”
Not all of the $45 million is earmarked yet, but $10
million involves two new construction projects.
Emil Anderson Construction, of Kelowna, has been awarded
the contract for
improvements
from Waterfront Farm to Blue Grouse.
This 800-metre
section of Westside Road will be widened to have 3.6
metre- wide lanes with paved shoulders, roadside barrier
and rockfall protection measures. Construction began in
late September and will be completed in fall 2015.
A second project at the north end of Westside Road will
see an
8.7-kilometre
section resurfaced between the Highway 97 junction and
Skookum Mine Road, about 10 kilometres northwest of
Vernon.
Okanagan Aggregates, of Armstrong, won the contract and
is scheduled to start work in early October and be
finished by the end of the month.
“Anything that improves Westside Road is a positive
step,” said Bob Fleming, BX-Swan Lake director, whose
jurisdiction goes partially down the west side of
Okanagan Lake.
“It will make it a lot easier to travel.”
Fleming also believes improved conditions on Westside
Road could increase use and ease some of the pressure on
Highway 97 through Vernon and other valley communities.
Construction and
paving may require intermittent delays for traffic as
well as scheduled closures of Westside Road for short
periods of the day.
While at the press conference in West Kelowna Friday,
Fleming lobbied for projects in his area, including
safety improvements at Highway 97 at Stickle Road and
the highway and Bernie Road.
“There were a lot of Ministry of Transportation
officials there, as well as cabinet ministers and the
premier,” said Fleming.
“I want to keep reminding them that they haven’t covered
all of the bases yet.”
$45M
for Westside Rd. Castanet.net - by Trevor Rockliffe |
Story: 124123 - Oct 3, 2014
Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet
The province has committed $45M
for improvements to Westside Road over the next five
years
One of the worst roads in the province according to
surveys conducted by BCAA will be getting a major
facelift.
Premier Christy Clark used a gravel pit in West Kelowna
as a back drop on Friday to announce an investment of
$45M over the next five years to make Westside Road
safer.
"Westside Road is a beautiful, beautiful Road. It's one
of the most beautiful roads in a province that has so
many beautiful places to go," says Clark in making the
announcement.
"But, for too long, it's also had a bad reputation as a
very dangerous road."
The announcement brings
to about $55.3M the province has invested in the road
since 2008.
Today's announcement involves two new construction
projects with a total estimated cost of $10 million.
Emil Anderson Construction Inc. of Kelowna has been
awarded the contract for improvements from
Waterfront Farm
to Blue Grouse.
This 800-metre section of Westside Road will be widened
to have 3.6 metre-wide lanes with paved shoulders,
roadside barrier and rockfall protection measures.
Construction began in late September and will be
completed in fall 2015.
A second project at the north end of Westside Road will
see an 8.7- kilometre section resurfaced between the
Highway 97
junction and Skookum Mine Road,
approximately 10 kilometres northwest of Vernon.
Okanagan Aggregates Ltd. of Armstrong won the contract
and is scheduled to start work in early October and be
finished by the end of the month.
"Resurfacing the northern segment of Westside Road will
benefit commuters to and from the Vernon area, and
provide a smoother more comfortable ride for residents,
tourists and everyone who is headed to the variety of
recreational sites along Okanagan Lake," says MLA Greg
Kyllo.
Construction and paving may require intermittent delays
for traffic as well as scheduled closures of Westside
Road for short periods of the day.
Outgoing Regional District West Director, Jim Edgson, a
long time advocate for improvements to Westside Road,
was thrilled with the announcement.
Edgson says he hopes once this work is complete over the
next five year, only regular maintenance and upkeep will
be required on the roadway.
While he is leaving regional politics, Edgson says he
will remain part of the Westside Road Improvement
Committee until such time as the work is complete.
WEST KELOWNA — Premier Christy Clark has made two
multi-million dollar promises in West Kelowna.
Clark announced Friday the
province will invest $45-million over the next five
years to improve safety on Westside Road.
The notorious road has claimed numerous lives over the
years and topped the list of BCAA’s annual “Worst Roads
in the Province” again in 2013.
READ MORE: Westside Road back to #1 worst in province
Friday’s announcement involves two major construction
upgrades worth $10-million, contracted to a pair of
local construction companies.
The first project involves widening an 800-metre section
of Westside Road from Waterfront Farm to Blue Grouse,
adding paved shoulders, roadside barriers and rockfall
protection measures. Construction for that project
started in September and is slated to finish sometime
this fall.
The second stretch of road receiving an upgrade is an
8.7-kilometre section between the Highway 97 junction
and Skook Mine Road, near Vernon. Work there is expected
to start in early October and finish by the end of the
month.
Clark also announced the province is giving the district
an $8.7-million land grant to help build a new municipal
works yard.
“Through the Sponsored Crown Grant program, the Province
has offered the District of West Kelowna a five-hectare
parcel of Crown land at the junction of Bartley and
Stevens Road,” says Premier Clark.
“After extensive negotiations with the Province,
Westbank First Nation is pleased to say that it supports
the offering of a sponsored Crown grant to the District
of West Kelowna. We believe that WFN’s interests are
being properly addressed,” says Chief Robert Louie. “We
look forward to working with the Province on
reconciliation of our interests.”
Nothing was mentioned in the Highlights about Director Item
- Jim Edgson saying that they are relocating poles at Jenny Creek for road
upgrades to Westside Road
There is nothing in the Agenda about about Director Item - Jim
Edgson saying that they are relocating poles at Jenny Creek for road upgrades to
Westside Road because this was a Director Item.
One of the most notorious roads in the province raised
more eyebrows Sunday.
Members of the RCMP’s North and Central Okanagan Traffic
Services conducted a traffic stop on Westside Road near
the Vernon end Sunday, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
During this early morning road check of a road
consistently ranked as one of the worst in B.C.,
officers recovered stolen property, dealt with three
impaired drivers, several prohibited drivers, drugs and
other violations.
“The public is reminded that even at early times of the
day, the police are actively searching for those
individuals who might be driving impaired by alcohol or
drugs,” said Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP spokesperson
Gord Molendyk.
“We are concerned, yes, that three people were caught
impaired on this road before 1 p.m.”
Over the past week in the Vernon-North Okanagan
detachment area, three 24-hour driving prohibitions were
issued: two for drugs, one for alcohol. One three-day
Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) was issued, and
seven cases of possible impaired driving were
investigated, six of which resulted in 90-day IRPs and
one motorist was arrested for impaired driving.
The B.C. government has chosen a
consulting firm to look at route options for a second
crossing of Okanagan Lake.
Transportation Minister Todd Stone announced Monday at
the B.C. Road Builders’ annual fall conference in
Kelowna that Delcan Corporation has won the $2-million
contract. He said Delcan will examine the transportation
needs of the area and look at potential route options,
including preferred locations, for a future second lake
crossing as well as potential timing for planning and
building a second bridge over Okanagan Lake.
Stone said there will be extensive opportunities for
local governments, First Nations and the public to have
input in the planning process
The five-lane William R. Bennett Bridge, completed in
2008 and connecting Kelowna and the Westside, is the
only existing crossing of the lake. The government says
based on extensive traffic analysis, it will suffice as
the only crossing until 2033.
*Note* This is only a snippet, please
click link above for entire content
Corporate Services:
002 - Administration
Strategic Community Investment Funds of $79,415 were received. SCIF funds
continue to minimize tax rate increases by supporting and offsetting general
corporate services administrative costs, and administrative projects which have
included Strategic Planning, ortho photo updates, service reviews, service
agreement reviews, energy efficiencies, building improvements and working toward
meeting economic and climate change targets. Fringe Area
Planning, Ellison Transit Service and Parks Service reviews are underway.
Air Quality review will also be completed as part of the implementation of a
regular service review 5 year cycle.
RESOC continues to review the Regional Rescue Service. Final approval of
Amendments to Westbank First Nation (WFN) Agreements for inclusion in Crime
Prevention, Economic Development Commission and Air Quality Program services are
under consideration by WFN. RCMP Community Policing Office leased space in
Administrative offices main floor effective spring 2014. Reporting to the
Director of Community Services, the Fleet and Facilities Manager position was
filled effective
September 8, 2014.
==================
Corporate Services:
050 - Transportation Demand Management
The Regional Board approved the Sustainable Transportation Partnership
Inter-municipal Service Agreement. Through the formal agreement, local and
regional governments in the Central Okanagan will work together on
transportation initiatives and projects that support common regional policy,
plans and interests. The City of Kelowna will manage the agreement; the
electoral areas will continue to participate in Transportation Demand Management
initiatives.
102 - Air Quality Monitoring As a result of the
informal service review, the Air Quality service will likely eventually be
considered as part of Sustainable Transportation Partnership. An
official call for proposals for a 2014-2015 Woodstove Exchange Program is
scheduled for September. The provincial Woodstove Exchange program and the $250
rebate was not offered in 2014. The Regional District, in coordination with the
industry and participant retailers, will continue to promote wood stove
exchanges in the region. To June 30, 2014, 7,274 cubic metres were chipped for
Agricultural Wood Waste Chipping Program.
Open Burning Program: the online option to verify if the open burning conditions
are met has been operational though 2014 and promoted through the open burning
phone line. A total of 1,353 burning permits were issued during the 2014 season,
34% within the City of Kelowna and 32% within the Regional District of Central
Okanagan. The Districts of Lake Country, West Kelowna and Peachland make up the
remaining 34%.
Gas Tax Funding of $38,000 was approved in 2012 for a review and update of the
Regional Air Quality Management Plan originally released in 2007. Funds in the
amount of $12,000 were also provided from the Ministry of Environment. The Phase
I report was presented February 14, 2014, to the· Governance & Services
Committee and Phase II of the update has included an online public engagement
and media campaign. Input generated was reviewed and incorporated in the Phase
II report.
For better understanding of the plan, the Regional Airshed Management Plan name
was changed to Central Okanagan Clean Air Strategy. Final reporting is underway. Through all the
programs and activities of the Air Quality Department and other Transportation
Demand Management Programs, approximately 96.8 tonnes of particulate matter, 199
tonnes of Carbon monoxide and 25.5 tonnes of Green House Gas-Carbon Dioxide
equivalents were not released into the air to June 30, 2014.
6. Quarterly Program Measures Report, Year-To-Date June
30, 2014
Staff report dated September 4,2014 outlined the program
measures to June 30, 2014. A summary of the highlights was presented. It was
noted that staff continue to review the quarterly information presented to
ensure the Committee is well
informed on the regional services and issues arising.
CONDON/EDGSON
THAT the Quarterly Program Measures Report, year-to-date June 30, 2014 be
received for information.
Central Okanagan bus users can expect new routes and
expanded service hours as phase two of the RapidBus
project wraps up.
According to BC Transit, some major improvements are
coming to the Kelowna Regional Transit System starting
August 31, 2014.
RapidBus service will extend to Westbank Centre in West
Kelowna and new routes will be introduced in the City of
Kelowna and the District of Lake Country. Peachland will
be getting improved evening service and 15,000 annual
service hours will be added to better serve transit
customers in the region.
New RapidBus exchanges are opening at Mount Boucherie
and Westbank Centre, with real-time passenger
information.
A new 'Route 5 Gordon' will provide a two-way direct
connection via Gordon Drive to downtown Kelowna, the
RapidBus corridor on Highway 97, the Capri Shopping
Centre, Okanagan College and the Mission Recreation
Centre.
As well, 'Route 8 University' will be realigned to
deliver a direct connection to Kelowna General Hospital
and Okanagan College.
In Lake Country, a new 'Route 32 The Lakes' will connect
Lake Country Town Centre with The Lakes neighbourhood
during weekday peak periods. The new route hopes to
support current and future residential and commercial
growth in the area.
The 'Route 22 Peachland' will boast improved evening,
Sunday and holiday service. And the route will now link
to the new Westbank Centre transit exchange, improving
regional connectivity.
BC Transit says these fall service changes reflect the
goals outlined in the Central Okanagan Transit Future
Plan and the 2014 RapidBus Service Change Plan.
“The additional 15,000 annual service hours will go a
long way towards meeting the public transportation needs
of Kelowna,” says MLA Norm Letnick.
“It’s great to see such a positive response to the
Kelowna transit system with more riders, more routes and
more connections,” adds MLA Steve Thomson.
For more information on the Kelowna Regional Transit
system check out all the details here.
Nothing was mentioned in the Highlights
about Director Item - Jim Edgson about a private shuttle service
for the Kelowna Airport because it was a Director Item
Nothing was mentioned in the Agenda about Director Item - Jim
Edgson about a private shuttle service for the Kelowna Airport because it was a
Director Item
a) Director Edgson noted that Kelowna Tourism has posted
a brochure regarding the new signage on Westside Road on their website.
A discussion ensued regarding a private company which
has started a shuttle between the South Okanagan communities (Oliver, Osoyoos)
and the Kelowna airport. The idea for a shuttle started at the Okanagan South
Chamber working on transportation issues between the south and the airport.
Their business plan does not rely on local government funding, it is a private
industry.
A question was raised regarding what's happening with the Via97 initiative which
started years ago-a tourism initiative between the Washington and the Okanagan
Valley for Highway 97.
EDGSON/FINDLATER
THAT staff be directed to request an update for the Board on the Via97
initiative;
AND FURTHER THAT information regarding the new private shuttle service operating
between South Okanagan communities and Kelowna's airport be forwarded to the
STPCO (Sustainable Transportation Partnership of the Central Okanagan) for their
information.
Nothing was mentioned in the Highlights about Westside
Road because this was a Director Item. Usually Director Items are the last
thing on the RDCO's agenda during a meeting so Director Items are usually the
last thing you hear on audio.
Nothing was mentioned in the Highlights about Director
Item - Director Edgson - Westside Road Closures for blasting come middle of Sept
2014, so we will tell you what we heard on the audio.
As soon as the $9 million dollar tender is awarded
supposedly in the middle of September 2014, Westside Road will be closed for
blasting an 800 meter section south of Wilson's Landing.
Starting
in the middle of September 2014, Westside Road shut downs are proposed to be
from 9:30am - 11:30am and 1:30pm - 2:30pm to allow for the school buses.
Westside Road will be closed every day except statutory holidays from the middle
of Sept 2014 until sometime after June 2014 when construction is expected to
slow but continue into the new year, and that the construction is expected to
last at least one year, "and from there we will see what happens after that"
Director Edgson said.
a) Director Edgson noted that the Ministry of
Transportation has begun upgrades to Westside Road. Shutdowns will occur on
Westside Road for further blasting. It is anticipated the $9mil project will
take approximately a year to complete.
Kelowna's long awaited second crossing could be here in
only eight years.
Thats according to BC's Minister of Transportation and
Infrastructure Todd Stone who says the second crossing
project is currently in the second phase of planning.
“A project of this size typically takes about a decade
from beginning to end. Now, we are in year one or two
already so theoretically we could see a second crossing
in another eight years or so,” says Stone.
“We've got at least 6 to 12 months here of just getting
out and talking to everybody in this region and asking
'What do you think about this second crossing? And
'Where do you think it should be?'”
Stone says the government is committed to spending
millions of dollars in the Okanagan improving our roads.
This will include their ongoing work widening Hwy. 97
from Lake Country through Kelowna to the bridge but he
says the big project is that second crossing.
“The second crossing represents the single largest
capital investment that we will be making in the
Okanagan over the next 10 years,” says Stone. “There are
a lot of things to consider. Do we do road work on
either side of the new bridge, or is it just a bridge,
or is it a bypass around West Kelowna that bypasses
Peachland as well. Are we doing six lanes through West
Kelowna?”
Phase two will be completed within the year and then the
next phase will be narrowing down the cost of the
project and finding out where the money is coming from.
Stone says they need to consider whether the project
will be either publicly funded, a private-public
partnership or funded by tolls on the bridge. But before
all that, there is a lot of work to do.
During his meeting with the Greater Westside Board of
Trade the second crossing wasn't the only hot topic.
Stone was grilled about intersections like Hudson and
Hwy. 97, and Boucherie and Hwy. 97 where whispers of
overpasses have been heard for years. Stone says at this
point there is no plan in place for either.
“It is really hard to say because a key consideration is
what is on either side of those intersections and what
is going to happen with a second crossing.”
Another talking point was Wednesday's announcement that
the BC Government is increasing speed limits on several
sections a BC highway, a decision that received no
support from RCMP or the trucking association. Stone
says although they respect their opinions they still
feel it is the right course of action.
“They have come to a different conclusion I think quite
sincerely in terms of what they believe should be done
with speed limits and we respect that. But, on balance,
the technical analysis and safety analysis we have done
through the ministry and looking at a growing body of
evidence around North America we feel the changes in
speed limits we are making are the right thing to do to
make our highways as safe as possible,” defends Stone.
He notes that only 15 per cent of BC's rural highways
are being changed. Of the 47,000 kilometres of highway
in our province, 9,100 kilometres were considered for
potential change and only 1,300 kilometres are being
changed.
“It is only a small amount that is being changed and for
the most part it is highways like the Coquihalla that
are beautifully engineered four-lane highways that can
absolutely handle an additional 10 km/h speed limit
increase,” says Stone.
The other major local announcement was that the
government will fund a $5 million barrier for the
highway between Oyama and Vernon. Stone says he is aware
of the “killer highway” and the government had to act.
“We are absolutely familiar that there have been a
number of fatalities on that stretch and one very
recently so that is why we announced Wednesday that
while the speed limit on that entire corridor is going
to go up, that will only happen after we have first
installed the median barrier along that entire stretch
that doesn't exist there today,” says Stone.
He says the increasing volume of traffic in the area was
also part of the reason. With an average of 20,000
vehicles per day using that corridor, a number
increasing every month.
“We are seeing an increasing number of cross-over
collisions or head-on collisions. So considering those
two things it is a pretty compelling case for installing
a median barrier to keep motorists that much safer.”
Transportation minister Todd Stone was in the Okanagan
this week outlining B.C.'s plans for a second bridge
over Okanagan Lake and improvements to Valley highways.
Making a decision, planning and
building a bridge is slow work.
That’s why a second crossing
over Okanagan Lake in Kelowna has been discussed for
decades and won’t become reality until at least 2022.
Provincial transportation
minister Todd Stone toured the Okanagan this week.
While he discussed highway
improvements, intersections, overpasses, interchanges,
road maintenance and speed limits, the topic of another
bridge over Okanagan Lake had to come up.
“A project of this magnitude
usually takes a decade from beginning to end,” said
Stone, after a Greater Westside Board of Trade
breakfast.
“We’re two years in now because
we’d already done phase one to determine a second bridge
is needed.” That leaves eight years for phases two,
three and four. Phase two, the planning stage, is just
getting under way.
The ministry will be collecting
input on where the bridge should go, what it will look
like and how many lanes it should be.
It’s been assumed a second bridge would come from the
Westside to Kelowna’s industrial North End and act as a
bypass for motorists continuing on Highway 97 who don’t
want to stop in Kelowna.
Such an option would complement
the existing and relatively new five-lane Bennett
Bridge, which connects the Westside to downtown Kelowna
as the lake’s narrowest part.
No lane count on a second bridge
has been determined and no design has been finalized.
Phase three consists of tallying
the cost of the bridge, securing financing and setting a
timeline.
The Bennett Bridge cost $144
million five years ago, so it can be assumed another
bridge will only cost more.
Once a final decision is made to
go ahead and the taxpayer money committed, it will
probably take two years of construction. That means the
first car wouldn’t cross the bridge until at least 2022.
There’s also the option of some
sort of public-private partnership to fund construction.
“It will be the single largest
capital investment this region has ever seen,” said
Stone, who is also the MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson.
Not that a lot of money hasn’t already been spent on
transportation in the Valley. Stone estimates in the
past 10 years, the government has put $643 million into
Okanagan transportation infrastructure. The
Bennett Bridge was a big part of that, but there’s also
been substantial spending on improvements and widening
of Highway 97, Highway 33, Okanagan Connector,
Coquihalla and Trans Canada.
Spending will continue to
upgrade Westside Road and six-lane Highway 97 from
Highway 33 to Edwards Road in Kelowna.
“Transportation is all about
movement of people and goods,” said Stone.
“Transporation is also about economic development.
That’s why we have to have a strong and growing economy
so we have the money to invest in transportation.”
As such, Stone is touting
liquified natural gas development in the province’s
north as a boom that will require new transportation
links and generate wealth for B.C.
Once again the Okanagan holds the
dubious distinction of having the worst road in the
province.
In years past the British Columbia Automobile
Association’s (BCAA) annual “Worst Roads” survey had
named Westside Road as the worst offender of all, but
this year it was Silver Star Road near Vernon that
claimed 'top spot' or bottom depending how you look at
it.
In fact in the fourth annual “Worst Roads” survey five
out of the top 10 worst roads in the province are in the
Okanagan.
“The Okanagan has a real winter so you do start to get
more pot holes and crumbling pavement and the top roads
in the Okanagan (Silver Star and Westside Road) were
both chosen for their potholes and crumbling pavement,”
explains Ken Cousin, BCAA’s associate vice president of
Road Assist.
Okanagan roads identified as the top four were Silver
Star Road in top spot, followed by a section of Westside
Road, Cosens Bay Road in Coldstream and another section
of Westside Road. The fifth Okanagan road on the list
was another section of Westside Road that landed in
ninth place.
This year BCAA's survey also hit record numbers.
“The total number of votes this year was just under
6,200, which is triple last years and a couple thousand
more than we have ever had so there was lots of interest
from the public in making our roads safer,” says
Cousins.
In the 2014 survey motorists, cyclists and pedestrians
identified a record 1,277 separate stretches of road
across the province that they feel are unsafe or
difficult to navigate, including a bunch right here in
the Okanagan.
“175 stretches of roads out of the 1,277 suggested were
in the Okanagan, with 27 near Kelowna, eight stretches
near West Kelowna, 25 stretches near Vernon and 14
stretches in the Enderby area,” says Cousins. “All up
from last years numbers that saw only 16 near Kelowna
and only 9 near Vernon.”
He says Okanagan residents are actively trying to see
change and this year cast 1,659 votes, more than triple
the numbers they saw voting last year.
“This says to me that British Columbians want a way to
express their road frustrations and appreciate the
opportunity to have their say,” says Cousin.
Silver Star Road had made the list before but never has
been named the worst. Acting GM for Silver Star
Mountain, Brad Baker, isn't sure how to feel about that.
“Being named the BCAA Worst Road in BC is a double edge
sword,” says Baker. “It’s a dubious distinction, but our
priority is the safety of our guests, our employees and
our residents.”
He says they are primarily concerned with winter
maintenance and snow removal but there are year long
problems that exist.
“The deteriorating asphalt surface in a concern,” says
Baker who adds that it has coincidentally had some
attention since the start of this survey with two
separate crews patching it on Thursday.
“The spray patching they are doing may be filling some
of the cracks and potholes but it certainly isn’t a
great surface left behind, sections are still very
rough.”
He adds that Silver Star is a community and one of
Vernon’s economic engines and he feels their road should
be a safe and a pleasant experience to drive on a daily
basis.
Cosens Bay Road in Coldstream is a new Okanagan member
of the top roads. It received over 240 votes noting
pedestrian and cyclist safety which Cousin says is a
huge amount of votes for that category of concern.
BCAA says the survey is not meant to criticize
government but bring to light roads that need some more
attention, noting the worst road leader in years past,
Westside Road, has moved down a notch.
“Last year the BC Government did invest $6.5 M in
realigning and repaving and creating slow-moving vehicle
pull outs on Westside Road but it still made our list,
because there is still work to do, but they are making
some improvements,” says Cousins. “The intent of the
survey is to make sure certain roads are not overlooked
and it is a forum for motorists to get the word out that
these roads matter to them.”
Accidents and road concerns in the Okanagan are often
met with a plethora of community comments that allude to
the fact that the road isn't the problem, the driver is,
and Cousins says there is some truth to that.
“It is a lot about driving to the conditions and driving
safely,” says Cousins. “Road improvements can help but
you can work and design and build roads anyway you want
and if people chose to not drive them properly or safely
then it is still not going to work.”
In the coming weeks, BCAA will share the complete survey
results with municipalities, the B.C. Ministry of
Transportation and Infrastructure, and other road
authorities to encourage improvements.
You can visit BCAA’s website,
bcaa.com/worstroads to see the 2014 Top 10 “Worst
Roads” list and get tips on how to stay safe on the road
when faced with issues such as dangerous potholes,
traffic congestion or roads shared by motorists and
cyclists.
“We all play a role in being safe on our roads. For
drivers, pedestrians or cyclists, it’s about being
mindful, following the rules of the road and watching
your behaviour,” says Cousins.
Photo: Contributed - BCAA
2013 Blue Grouse to Jenny
Creek, Westside Road Improvements, BCMoTI Contract
$830,000 + Site 1 Pull Out and Westside Road Pavement
Improvements (Extra Work Order)
2013 Cinnabar Creek, Westside Road Re-Alignment, BCMoTI
Contract $550,000 + Site 3 - Wilson's Landing Pull Out
(Extra Work Order)
Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet
Commuters travelling between West Kelowna and Kelowna will be hit
with more construction delays.
Traffic pattern changes and a construction speed zone will come into
effect the last few days of April, on Highway 97 between the
Campbell Road Interchange and Westside Road.
The change includes realignment of all five lanes to facilitate
construction of the Sneena Road overpass. Cycling lanes will be
maintained.
Construction is expected to continue through to mid October.
Starting the week of April 27 crews will begin shifting traffic onto
the temporary alignment.
According to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure,
transition to the temporary alignment will result in short-term
changes to traffic patterns throughout the week and will require
temporary lane closures in both directions.
"Wherever possible, lane closures will be scheduled during evenings
and non-peak daytime hours to minimize disruption to highway
traffic," says MoTI spokesman, Robert Adam.
"A 50km/hour construction speed zone will be in effect during this
period and will remain in effect until construction of the overpass
is complete."
Once the traffic has been shifted onto the temporary alignment, all
five lanes of traffic will be maintained for the duration of the
construction period.
This is the fourth time in the last seven years commuters have been
faced with construction along the stretch of highway between the
William R. Bennett Bridge and Nancee Way.
Previous projects included the Campbell Road Interchange, Westside
Road Overpass and Nancee Way Overpass.
That's how much the provincial government has earmarked to start the
planning process for a second crossing over Okanagan Lake.
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone made the
announcement in the legislature last week.
According to MoTI staff the planning study will include a
"significant technical investigation as it examines potential route
corridors and engages the public in consultations on the future
transportation needs of the Central Okanagan."
While campaigning in the Westside-Kelowna byelection, Premier
Christy Clark stated that one of her priorities is planning for a
second crossing.
And late last summer, she asked Stone to begin that process by
reaching out to both Kelowna Mayor Walter Gray and West Kelowna
Mayor Doug Findlater.
It appears the province is taking the next step.
Information Castanet received from MoTI staff indicates the province
is beginning to update previous engineering work and will 'initiate
a transportation study of the Central Okanagan'.
"Extensive community consultation is also planned, to ensure we have
a clear understanding of the needs, and options to meet them, to
support such a large investment in the Okanagan.
We are at the very beginning as we explore just exactly what this
project could look like," stated MoTI staff in an email to Castanet
News.
Poll Do you believe a 2nd crossing of Okanagan Lake will be built
within the next 20 years?
When we looked the poll said:
72.41% Yes
27.59 % No
Total 935 votes
The Regional Board has approved the Sustainable Transportation Partnership
Inter-municipal Service Agreement. The formal agreement will see each of the
local and regional governments in the Central Okanagan working together on
transportation initiatives and projects that support common regional policy,
plans and interests. The inter-governmental partnership will result in
coordinated efforts to achieve a more sustainable system for all modes of
transportation in order to support the region’s economy, social network and
environment. The partnership will also help improve responsiveness and
accountability on transportation matters while ensuring a more cost-effective
use, operation and expansion of the region-wide transportation system. Each
municipality will also be asked to approve the agreement.
Staff report dated March 18, 2014 outlined that in 2012
the Regional Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding for a sustainable
transportation partnership with Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland,
Westbank First Nation and the electoral areas. Staff was directed to develop an
agreement for this partnership, The Regional District electoral areas are
included in the agreement for the service of Transportation Demand Management
only.
BAKER/FIELDING
THAT the Regional Board approve the Sustainable Transportation Partnership
Intermunicipal Service Agreement.
CARRIED Unanimously
===============
8. DIRECTOR ITEMS
a) Director Edgson noted that Kelowna Tourism has
finished the mapping on Westside Road and signage has been developed and will be
installed shortly.
7.5 Regional District of Central Okanagan Transportation Demand Management
Establishment Amendment Bylaw No. 1335, 2013 Adoption (All Directors -
Unweighted Vote)
BAKER/FIELDING
THAT Regional District of Central Okanagan Transportation Demand Management
Establishment Amendment Bylaw No. 1335, 2013 be adopted this 9th day of December
2013.
Westside-Kelowna MLA Christy Clark at a news conference announcing
improvements to Westside Road back in July.
Paving work has been completed on a project announced by Christy
Clark the morning after she was voted in as MLA for
Westside-Kelowna.
Crews recently finished intermittent paving of a five kilometre
stretch of Westside Road between Jenny Creek and Caesar's Landing.
Cost of the project was $1M.
Crews also completed paving of a one kilometre stretch of the road
between Bear Creek Park and Traders Cove.
These were in addition to $5.5M in work already completed this year
on a road voted the most dangerous in the province two years in a
row in a survey conducted by BCAA.
Other projects completed on Westside Road in 2013 include a
northbound and southbound pull-out lane and re-alignment and
widening from Blue Grouse to Jenny Creek, and realignment and
widening with concrete roadside barrier installation at Cinnabar
Creek.
Total cost of the projects was $6.5M.
“When I became the MLA for Westside-Kelowna, I promised we would
work to make improvements to Westside Road,” says Clark.
“While there is more work to do, we have made significant progress
in just a few months.”
a) Director Edgson noted that he has had discussions with Kelowna Tourism and
will work with them to add Westside Road and the new signage to their tourism
mapping going forward.
Revised Regional Grant-in-Aid Policy
The Regional Board has approved a revised policy for considering Regional
Grant-in-Aid requests. Among the updates, organizations must submit financial
statements and a program budget with their applications and organizations that
receive funding from a Regional District service will not be eligible for
Regional Grant-in-Aid funds. The Board requested the review of the policy as it
was concerned about the increasing number of applications and the growth in the
amount of funds requested.
Electoral Area Grant-in-Aid
The Regional Board has approved the following Central Okanagan West Electoral
Area Grant-in-Aid:
- Westside Road
Improvement Committee - $1,500 in 2013 and $3,500 in 2014 for Historic Westside
Road theme route community marking-naming signs
9.1 Central Okanagan Electoral Area West Grant In Aid ($1,500 in 2013 and
$3,500 in 2014) to the Westside Road Improvement Committee for Road Signs along
Westside Road (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
EDGSON/FINDLATER
THAT the Regional Board approve a Central Okanagan West Electoral Area Grant in
Aid up to $5000 ($1,500 in 2013 and $3,500 in 2014) to the Westside Road
Improvement Committee for the placement of Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure approved Road Signs in seven locations along Westside Road with
Central Okanagan West from Traders Cove in the south, to the northern boundary
of Central Okanagan West for the main purpose of enhancing the response times of
Emergency Responders through the 911 system.
Nothing was mentioned in the highlights about Item 6.1 Transportation Demand
Management Service Establishment Amendment Bylaw No 1335 2013 -
West Kelowna withdrawing from services
Staff report dated October 1, 2013 outlined the service review process by the
Regional Board for the regional service of Transportation Demand Management.
District of West Kelowna and the City of Kelowna have requested to be removed
from
the establishment bylaw in light of the development with all Central Okanagan
local governments agreeing to participate in the Sustainable Transportation
Partnership in the Central Okanagan.
FINDLATER/EDGSON
THAT Regional District of Central Okanagan Transportation Demand Management
Service Establishment Amendment Bylaw No. 1335, 2013 be given first, second and
third readings and forwarded to the Inspector of Municipalities for approval.
CARRIED
===============
10. DIRECTOR ITEMS
b) CN Rail
It was noted that CN Rail has provided a Notice of Discontinuance of a Railway
Line in the Central Okanagan. The rail will continue in the North Okanagan from
Campbell Creek to Lumby. The remainder of the rail track may be abandoned.
Directors Gray and Baker noted they are well aware of the issue in the City of
Kelowna and Lake Country. Lake Country has it in their
OCP as a transportation corridor but does not have it currently zoned. Kelowna
assures they have the sole authority for zoning. Rails for trails discussion has
occurred over the years. NORD is also well aware of the issues and are keen to
keep it as a recreation network and transportation corridor.
EDGSON/STACK
THAT the Regional Board direct staff to register the District's wish to preserve
the corridor and in due course enter into discussion with other parties around
this being of an inter-regional interest for a potential
recreation/transportation corridor.
KAMLOOPS - The government of B.C. is reviewing speed limits on
longer stretches of provincial highways between communities, and
will be seeking public input starting this November as part of the
process.
Public input, along with information gathered through a technical
review of provincial highways, will be considered to identify areas
where speed-limit changes would be appropriate.
The initial technical review is already underway. This work includes
an evaluation of the latest research from around the world, as well
as specific characteristics of B.C. highways, such as travel speed,
safety history and the volume and mix of traffic.
Public engagement is an important part of the speed-limit review,
and British Columbians will be able to have their say on rural
highway speed limits at public forums in communities around the
province, as well as through social media and online feedback.
Forums will be held in Kamloops, Chilliwack, Nanaimo, Prince George,
Dawson Creek, Vancouver, Kelowna and Cranbrook starting in November,
with additional communities added as necessary.
At the same time, government will be seeking public input as it
reviews how to reduce the risk of wildlife-related crashes on rural
provincial highways, and reviews how to best ensure the safe
movement of slower vehicles.
The ministry will also be seeking input from the Union of B.C.
Municipalities, ICBC, police and other key stakeholders. Practical
recommendations from this review and a strategy for implementation
will be ready in early spring 2014.
Quote:
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone -
"This review will build on the good work done on speed limits over
the years by involving the public in the discussion. We want to
ensure those travelling on our highways can do so as safely and
efficiently as possible, and we're interested in what British
Columbians have to say as our review of speed limits and other
important safety issues moves forward."
A backgrounder follows.
BACKGROUNDER
Public input sought on highway safety issues
Starting this November, British Columbians will have a say on
various highway safety issues. The outcome of the review will be
recommendations for speed-limit adjustments to longer sections of
rural highway between communities, as well as recommendations
related to improving vehicle flow and preventing wildlife-related
collisions.
Initial technical work is underway. The public input component of
the review will happen starting this November, with technical work
completed through the winter and recommendations due in spring 2014.
Speed-Limit Review:
•Public input will be sought on which highway corridors should be
considered.
•The technical review includes an assessment of current travel
speeds, safety history, highway alignment and traffic volume and
mix.
•The review will also consider the feasibility of speed-management
strategies such as seasonal speed limits and speed limits by vehicle
type.
Slower Vehicles Review:
•Vehicles impeding other vehicles, (e.g. in the left lane,
recreational vehicles, when towing, etc.) reduce the efficiency of
the highway system and can cause driver frustration.
•Public input will be sought on what is considered a slow vehicle
and corridors of concern.
•The review will examine various means of ensuring the safety of
slower drivers while improving the efficiency of the highway. Best
practices in signing, public education, enforcement and availability
of pull-out facilities will be reviewed.
Wildlife-Corridor Review:
•Wildlife on the highway can pose a serious hazard to motorists in
British Columbia.
•Public input will be sought on corridors of concern and areas where
warnings could be enhanced.
•The review will identify practices that could be implemented to
reduce wildlife collisions, and on which highway segments. Examples
of key areas for examination include: advisory signs,
wildlife-advisory speeds and the use of advanced technologies to
detect and deter wildlife.
This review will build on the work done during the last review in
2003. Since 2003, the ministry has used the principles outlined in
the report to make modifications to speed limits around the province
including some increases on major highways such as Highway 1. The
2003 report is available on the ministry's website at:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/publications/eng_publications/speed_review/index.htm
Contact:
Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241
Speed limits could go up – or down – on some provincial highways as
a result of a review announced by B.C. Transportation Minister Todd
Stone.
Transportation Minister Todd Stone wants B.C. residents to weigh in
on a potential increase in highway speed limits now under
consideration.
Stone announced the formal review of speed limits Friday in Kamloops
although he had previously indicated it was coming and technical
work is already underway.
The Coquihalla Highway already has a speed limit of 110 kilometres
per hour but traffic there does an average speed of 118, while
drivers routinely exceed the posted limit of 90 or 100 on many other
provincial highways.
"There's no question the Coquihalla is a prime candidate for an
adjustment in the speed limit," Stone said, also listing sections of
Highway 1 in the Lower Mainland and around Kamloops as well as the
Cariboo Connector towards Prince George.
It's been a decade since B.C. last reviewed speed limits.
Stone said any increases would involve mainly rural provincial
highways between communities, not highways in urban areas of the
Lower Mainland, although which specific corridors to adjust will be
subject to public input.
He said a higher speed limit in some stretches of highway has been
made possible by billions of dollars in major road upgrades since
the last review in 2003, including 180 additional kilometres of
four- or six-lane highway.
He also said vehicles are "much safer today than 10 years ago" as a
result of traction stability control, anti-lock brakes and other
improvements.
Stone cited a 28 per cent drop in injury-causing collisions since
2003.
And he said research increasingly suggests the greatest danger isn't
necessarily speeding itself, but driving at a much different speed
than most other drivers.
A minority of 15 per cent of drivers who don't keep up with the flow
or who speed excessively are at greater risk of a crash than the
other 85 per cent of drivers who may be going somewhat over the
posted speed limit, he said.
Stone stressed decreases in the speed limit are also possible.
"This review is not about increasing speed limits, it's about making
sure we have the right speed limits."
And he said there will be "no Autobahn" in B.C. where speed limits
are lifted altogether.
"I am not interested in making any changes that are going to
compromise the safety of motorists."
He said one option could be variable speed limits that are higher in
the day and lower at night.
The review will pull in fresh research from around the world, and
closely consider factors unique to B.C., like its geography and high
mountain passes.
The risk of crashes with wildlife will also be a key consideration.
Bright signs that warn of wildlife at night – potentially activated
by sensors that detect animals near the highway – are among various
options the ministry will consider to counter that risk,
particularly on highways where posted limits might rise.
Stone said other technologies being tried elsewhere include
automated sirens that scare wildlife off roads in areas where they
pose a frequent hazard.
The speed limit review aims to generate recommendations by next
spring, when the Legislature reconvenes.
Public forums on the issue will be held in Kamloops, Chilliwack,
Vancouver, Nanaimo, Prince George, Dawson Creek, Cranbrook and
Kelowna starting in November, with potentially more sites still to
be added.
One group advocating for higher speed limits is Sense BC, which was
behind a recent viral video making the case for change:
Sense BC's Ian Tootill said even a 10 kilometre an hour increase on
the Coquihalla to 120 wouldn't be enough to match the prevailing
speeds in summer.
"I'm not suggesting the Coquihalla should be 150 or 160 but it
shouldn't be 120," he said.
Tootill argues speed limits should be set at the upper end of what's
safe – allowing those who can drive that speed to legally do so –
while most motorists would go slower.
Others reacting on social media argued faster speeds would
compromise safety and burn more fuel.
Some cities have also advocated for a lower default speed limit on
urban streets of 40 kilometres per hour instead of 50, but that idea
was defeated by a majority of delegates at last month's Union of
B.C. Municipalities convention.
a) Tour of Sterile Insect Release Facilities - it was noted that various
directors have taken up the offer of SIR staff to tour their facility in the
South Okanagan.
b) UBCM Resolutions - it was noted District of West Kelowna and Kelowna had
support for their various resolutions to UBCM.
One of the issues raised at UBCM was the lack of a market to recycle fibreglass
(derelict boats are sitting around the province, particularly in the Lower
Mainland) and what can be done with them. The question was raised whether our
waste reduction staff is aware of any programs.
EDGSON/FIELDING
THAT staff be directed to comment on whether they are aware of a market for
recycling fibreglass, particularly in regards to derelict boats.
Local government representatives vote on a long list of resolutions
at their convention in Vancouver Thursday.
UBCM photo
B.C. communities won't push to lower the default speed limit to 40
kilometres per hour on residential streets.
Victoria councillors argued that pedestrian safety is paramount, but
delegates at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention defeated
their motion Friday.
Cities can still vary local speed limits from the 50 km/h default on
a street-by-street basis, but proponents of the lower limit also
hoped the province would cover the cost of changing signs.
Advocates had warned that unless cities sign every alley and laneway
at lower speeds, drivers can legally roar through them at 50 km/h.
Opponents said enforcement is the real problem.
"You can reduce the municipal speed limit to 10 kilometres per hour
– it's not going to help," said Thompson-Nicola Regional District
director Ken Gillis.
He said B.C. cities need a different way to ticket traffic violators
without using costly and highly trained police officers.
Comox Mayor Paul Ives said it was "wishful thinking" to believe the
province would pay for sign change costs and said the shift to a 40
km/h default would confuse drivers.
"We don't want this. I'm sure many other municipalities don't want
this," Cache Creek Mayor John Ranta said.
"If you take it to extreme, if we keep going slower and slower and
slower in the name of safety, eventually we will all grind to a
halt."
The mayor is confident a second crossing over Okanagan Lake is still
a priority
KELOWNA (NEWS1130) – With news that a bridge will replace the aging
Massey Tunnel, there may be other BC communities wondering when it
will be their turn to get new spans.
But Kelowna’s mayor is confident a second crossing over Okanagan
Lake is still a priority.
Currently, the William R. Bennett Bridge is the only one delivering
Highway 97 traffic between West Kelowna and the city of Kelowna.
It’s prone to congestion and when there’s an accident, drivers have
no alternative.
Mayor Walter Gray is confident the funds will be there for a second
crossing.
“It was very progressive of Premier Clark to announce that the
province would start studying the options and work towards a new
bridge when needed, which would be in about 12 years from now,” he
notes.
He says what’s more urgently needed is an extension of Highway 33
into the northern part of the city. The highway right now extends
eastward out of the city.
The highway would be instrumental in feeding traffic to a new
bridge, which
would likely be located
north of Kelowna’s downtown.
050 - Transportation Demand Management
The Regional Board approved participation in the Sustainable Transportation
Partnership, an intermunicipal partnership that coordinates a regional delivery
of sustainable transportation programs and projects. Through the Sustainable
Transportation Partnership (STPCO) the City of Kelowna and District of West
Kelowna will no longer be a part of the RDCO Transportation Demand Management
service. The STPCO will assume this service at the City of Kelowna.
Bike to Work / School Week occurred May 27 to June 2,2013 and 12 Bike Rodeos
were hosted in area Elementary Schools. Transit summer service reductions were
implemented with service reinstatements scheduled for September. A new Rider's
Guide is to be released September 4th. Transit Advertising Franchise bus shelter
audit has been completed. Kelowna General Hospital TOM Plan is ongoing; a HPASS
to be created with the 2014 transit expansion. SmartTRIPS Neighbourhood Travel
Program: Springvalley Neighbourhood started April 6th has been completed. The
program survey is to be finished and followed by the final report.
083 - Westside Transit Services
Project federal gas tax funding of more than $4.4-million was approved by the
Board to be allocated toward the local government share for the purchase of new
transit buses or debt servicing on buses within the Regional Transit System.
6.1 Quarterly Program Measures Report - Year-to-date June 30, 2013
The quarterly measures report, year-to-date June 30, 2013, Executive Summary was
presented for information. Staff highlighted areas of note including:
• At the end of June budgets are on track. Budget revision will come forward in
regards to capital costs.
• Restructuring of staff has occurred - existing and new staff.
• Trepanier Fire - paid on call reimbursement has been received from Ministry of
Forests. Surplus has been reflected in revenues. The past practice is to top up
paid on call wages to $30 for incident and budget remainder into reserves.
Reimbursement is reflective of what other fire departments are paid for
response. The question was raised whether it sets a precedent to reimburse
paid-on-call at this rate? The question was raised whether the Board need to
approve a policy change or is this administrative in nature? Staff noted this is
within the existing budget. Need to be consistent across other communities,
staff to confirm that it is consistent in the region.
OPHUS/ZIMMERMANN
THAT staff provide a report to the Board on the policy for reimbursement of paid
on call emergency response for fires such as the Trepanier Fire, confirming the
practice for reimbursement is consistent in the region.
Premier Christy Clark is making good on one of her election
promises.
While campaigning for the July 10 Westside-Kelowna byelection, Clark
promised to begin discussions on a second crossing over Okanagan
Lake.
“I believe it’s time for us to start planning a second crossing.
Let’s get to work on it now,” Clark stated during an all-candidates
forum at the Westbank Lions Hall.
During a media scrum following Wednesday's RapidBus announcement,
Clark said that time is now.
"I have instructed (Transportation & Infrastructure Minister) Todd
Stone to make sure to meet with Mayor Walter Gray and Mayor Doug
Findlater about a second crossing," Clark stated Wednesday.
"I said when I ran in the byelection that we wanted to get on with
that and that we were going to begin meeting in September so we
could begin the consultation. Todd is going to begin that outreach
with the mayors to make sure we can get on with it."
She expects the minister to be in touch with both mayors over the
next few days to see when they are available.
"I want to get on with that consultation because it could take a
while to get it right. The people of Kelowna and West Kelowna need a
second crossing."
The premier also touched on other topics during her brief scrum with
local media, including:
Rumoured 26% BC Hydro Rate Increases
"That's not the case. What we've seen is an early draft from BC
Hydro that has never even made it to the desk of anyone in
government. WAC Bennett asked a generation of British Columbians to
invest in building infrastructure to grow our economy and open up
our province. They did that. Now we are doing the same thing - we
are growing our economy, creating a new industry in the province
that is going to change the face of the place for a generation. We
are doing it with the infrastructure that WAC Bennett built. First,
we need to acknowledge we have to improve that infrastructure but
second, the last time I became premier in 2011 the first thing BC
Hydro did was plop a proposal for a 50% rate increase on my desk. We
hammered it down to something much, much smaller. We are going to do
that again, I promise you."
Additional Fees on Smart Meters
"If you choose not to take the meter - I want people to have a
choice. That it's not forced on people. But, at the same time, if
you want to make that personal choice, it's really not fair to ask
98 or 99 per cent of the rest of the ratepayers of the province to
pay for that for you. What BC Hydro is doing is giving you the right
to make that choice and asking you to pay for it rather than asking
other people to pay your bill for you."
Increasing Speed Limits
"I don't have a specific answer on how long it would take except I
hope we could get this done in the next few months. At least get a
proposal out there for people. There was a report done in 2003 that
looked at this across the province and came up with some really good
recommendations - almost none of which were acted upon. We can start
there. A lot of the work has already been done and then update that
for the last decade. We have a place to work from that should speed
it up a little bit.
Cancellation of Fall Legislative Sitting - Agenda for touring MLA's
"Liquor review policy. For example we have a 100-year-old liquor
act, which people in small business complain, I think legitimately
and vociferously, about. And, it doesn't work for consumers either.
It's expensive, it's bureaucratic. We need to figure that out and
there hasn't really been a government that has had the courage to do
that in the past because it's pretty controversial.
"Ground water. How do we protect our ground water here in British
Columbia. We've heard a lot about that. Again, it's a century old
act, it hasn't been updated. We need to update it and fix that for
people.
"Those are some of the questions we will be asking. The finance
committee and other committees of the legislature will be out
talking to people. And, new MLA's who have never been in the
legislature before went straight from getting elected to going and
taking their seats as we passed a balanced budget in a very rare
summer session. I want to give them a chance to get their feet on
the ground as well and make sure they are doing the thing that is
most important for any of us, serving their constituents."
Accusations By NDP Of Avoiding Debate
"Here we are busy governing and I look over at the NDP and all I see
is a lot of politics. I know they will say a lot of things as they
fire across their volleys, not at us, but at each other and in the
meantime I am going to get on with governing. So, that's why I met
with union leaders the other day because they need to be a part of
this. That's why I'm meeting with business leaders on a regular
basis and citizens, making sure that everybody is a part of the
change we want to bring to British Columbia and building our
economy."
Central Okanagan West Director Jim Edgson has meetings with the Ministry of
Transportation every 3 months, next meeting with Ministry is Sept 30, 2013
The Regional Board has adopted resolution to approach the Provincial Government
to initiate discussions regarding a possible land swap within Fintry Provincial
Park. In 1995, in an agreement with the Province, the Regional District
contributed $2-million to purchase a 129.5-hectare property above Westside Road
which is included as part of the Provincial Park. The Regional Board has asked
staff to begin talking with the Province to see if that property could be
exchanged for a lowland field property within the park in order to explore a
possible agricultural use that would be in keeping with the history of the
former Dun-waters Estate.
8.1 Westside Road
Director Edgson noted that the MOTI is in the process of paving sections of
Westside Road. The Province has approved further funding for upgrading of the
road. He is looking at options for signage along Westside Road and will bring
information forward in the future
8.2 Fintry Fair
Director Baker noted that the Fintry Fair was held last Sunday. It was noted
that many volunteers are aging and that there is a need for 'other' revenue
streams for the Friends of Fintry Society. More emphasis of Regional District
ownership is needed, and getting it back to a working farm which has been
discussed in the past. It would be difficult for this to occur in the upper
portion of the park and it was questioned whether discussions should be raised
with the Province for consideration of this and a possible land swap.
Discussion occurred regarding whether it is time to approach the Province to
initiate discussions regarding a possible land swap within Fintry Provincial
Park.
The Regional District had an agreement with the Province, and contributed
$2million, to purchase a 129.5-hectare property above Westside Road which is
included as part of the Provincial Park.
It was questioned whether the time is right to begin talking with the Province
and to see if that property could be exchanged for a lowland field property
within the park in order to explore a possible agricultural use that would be in
keeping with the history of the former Dun-waters Estate. It was noted that
there will be many issues for consideration by the Board, including costs, but
that the concept is worth exploring.
BAKER/ZIMMERMANN
THAT the Regional Board direct staff to initiate discussions with the Province
for consideration of a land swap within the Fintry Provincial Park including
whether the Regional District's park component could be exchanged for the
lowland field property for the purpose of reintroduction of active agriculture
farming on the land.
BC Highways Web Cams
Traffic and Road Conditions
Border Crossing Info
Travel Info
Wildlife Collision info
How to claim for damage you may have sustained due to roads
Winter Tire Info
Election Sign Alongside a Hwy Info
Hwy Maintenance Contractor Info
Traffic Sign Info
Pavement Marker Info
Hwy Pass elevation Info
Traffic Control Devices
85th Percentile Speed Limit Info
etc.
For more information about the Westside
Road Interchange Project, please go to
www.westsideroadinterchange.ca or contact Evelyn Lube, Westside
Road Interchange Project Communications at (250) 864-7395 or by
email at elube "at" shaw.ca
Thank you for your ongoing cooperation.
Chief Robert Louie has been elected to a 10th term at the helm of
the Westbank First Nation.
Chief Robert Louie's main priority in his new term is to negotiate a
land swap with the province that could expand the Westbank reserve
by more than 900 acres.
The re-elected chief, who won Friday's band election, is eying a
parcel of Crown land in exchange for the widening of Highway 97 and
the highway's Westside Road interchange.
The land is farther from West Kelowna than the 700 acres near Rose
Valley that the Westbank First Nation first sought in talks with the
provincial government in 2012.
The deal later collapsed when Forests Minister Steve Thomson backed
away from handing over title amid public uproar over its location.
"We need to settle the land replacement," Louie said Tuesday. "We
have located alternate land . . . We suspect it will be considerably
bigger than the initial Rose Valley lands."
The band must make final arrangements with the province before the
land swap goes to public consultation. Until then, Louie is
reluctant to specify where the parcel is or its size. But he
suggested it could be larger than 900 acres.
Under the band's constitution, its land base can't shrink. By
providing eight acres of reserve property for the highway widening
and interchange, the province must compensate with land elsewhere.
"We've already lost thousands and thousands of acres. The way our
constitution and our self government is structured, we cannot lose
land. So as a result, the province must provide lands acceptable to
us to add to our reserve land base," Louie said.
West Kelowna Mayor Doug Findlater criticized the original deal as
one-sided. The district was concerned the band might develop the 700
acres, which could jeopardize water quality in the Rose Valley
reservoir, which serves thousands of West Kelowna residents.
Louie, 61, received 59 per cent of the votes in his bid for
re-election against challenger Roxanne Lindley. He begins his 10th
term as chief since 1986, with an eight-year gap in the 1990s.
Another of his goals is to start construction of a $125-million
private hospital, a destination surgical centre that could attract
wealthy Canadians, foreigners and aboriginal people. Louie expects
ground to be broken next month and the hospital to open by early
2016.
The band's main accomplishment during Louie's last three-year term
was completion of the $41-million interchange project, he said. He's
also proud of two shopping centres built on reserve land on the
Westside.
Twelve band members were competing for four councillor positions in
Friday's election. Christopher Derickson, Mike De Guevara and Mic
Werstuik were re-elected. Brian Eli, a former chief and veteran
councillor during previous terms, was elected.
"I've got a very strong council, a very experienced council," Louie
said. "I'm pleased with the experience they bring to bear, so
there's no long-term training."
The band has 742 members and
559 eligible voters. Of the 335 ballots cast Friday, 332 ballots
counted.
The chief and council were sworn in Tuesday.
One politician insists an alternate route must be found before
Vernon is paralyzed by permanent grid-lock.
Coun. Bob Spiers told his colleagues Monday that a bypass around
Vernon is needed and he is suggesting the west side of Okanagan
Lake.
“It could be a potential long-term bypass,” he said of the option
which could see traffic not needing to stop in Vernon diverted off
Highway 97 altogether.
The options for the west side of Okanagan Lake could include the
existing Westside Road or a new high-elevation road from the
Okanagan Connector, near Peachland, to Highway 97, near O’Keefe
Ranch.
Spiers says he is increasingly concerned about traffic volume in
Vernon.
“We are getting more and more traffic right through town. The
truckers would prefer not to come right through town.”
A long-standing concern is that a large truck could go out of
control on Hospital Hill and careen into downtown Vernon, placing
residents at serious risk.
While the west side of Okanagan Lake is outside of Vernon’s
jurisdiction, Spiers says such a transportation corridor should be
supported in the city’s official community plan and the provincial
government should be made aware of the concept.
The issue of an alternate route has been on the backburner since
2008 when a majority of then-council voted to shelve a proposed
western bypass, which would have gone through Mission Hill, Okanagan
Landing and Bella Vista neighbourhoods before linking back up with
the highway at Swan Lake.
Instead, the city decided to focus on long-term traffic issues
through aggressive transportation demand management, such as
transit, walking and bicycling.
Spiers, who was not on council in 2008, believes scrapping the
western bypass was a mistake.
“If we had kept it in the plan, it still would be possible,” he
said.
Central Okanagan West Director Jim Edgson is having meetings
with Ministry every 3 months, next meeting with Ministry is Sept
30, 2013
July 18, 2013 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting
Minutes
8. DIRECTOR ITEMS
8.1 Westside Road
Director Edgson noted that the MOTI is in the process of paving sections of
Westside Road. The Province has approved further funding for upgrading of the
road. He is looking at options for signage along Westside Road and will bring
information forward in the future
Photo: Wayne Moore - Kelowna Correspondent -
Castanet
Premier Christy Clark, pictured with construction workers, points to
an additional $1M to pave a 15km section of Westside Road
It didn't take long for Premier Christy Clark to make good on one of
her campaign promises.
OkanaganLakeBC.ca says: This makes sense.. we don't get any
more road improvements after the by-election than what had already
been planned!!! Christy Clark is trying to bamboozle people
into believing that this decision made about this Westside Road
improvement of this type of magnitude could happen overnight, and
that this is part of her election promise. Christy Clark lier
was elected July 10, 2013 and the very next morning she is trying to
say that this was her campaign promise. Living up to your
LIES, YOU ARE CHRISTY CLARK!!!! That was great that you banned
someone for posting the
Gasland
video that is on You-Tube to your facebook page.
We know your plan is to frack up BC with your natural gas jobs plan
you are going to fix Westside Road with!!!
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/OkanaganValley/projects/westside_w-kelowna_vernon/documents/WSR_BlueGrouse-JennyCrk
_StoryBoards.pdf
Photo: Contributed
Click map for a larger copy (.pdf)
Less than 24-hours after she was elected MLA for Westside-Kelowna,
Clark was on Westside Road Thursday morning with a $1M commitment.
Throughout the campaign Clark continually stated it was not
acceptable that Westside Road was considered the worst road in the
province in a poll conducted by BCAA.
She vowed to change that.
"Today we are announcing an additional $1M in improvements to
Westside Road. Later this month, patching and paving work will begin
on a 15 kilometre section between Jenny Creek and Caesar's Landing,"
says Clark.
"We are building on the $10.3M that has been invested since 2008. -
$6.5M invested in 2013 alone, including the $3M that is almost
completed."
Clark credited former Westside-Kelowna MLA, Ben Stewart with making
sure the previous projects were funded and further promised that,
with the help of Stewart,
they would ensure these were not the last improvement projects on
the road.
"We are going to keep working until we can say that Westside Road is
as safe as it is scenic," says Clark.
She agreed with local
residents' concerns that the toughest and most dangerous portions of
Westside Road have not been tackled and pledged to begin work on
those sections of road right away.
"My task over the next four years is to attack that part of the plan
and make sure we are taking on some of the hard parts," says Clark.
"Yes, it will be more expensive but this is not a safe road as it
stands. It is not a safe enough road. We need to make it safer."
That statement by the premier, more than the $1M paving project, was
music to the ears of Okanagan East Regional Director, Jim Edgson.
OkanaganLakebc.ca says:
Castanet.net can't even get the area Director correct, that would be
Central Okanagan West, not Central Okanagan East!!!
"What I am encouraged by is this - it is now out in the media that
this is going ahead. They don't take these things lightly because
they have to spend timer and money to do that planning," says Edgson.
"I am extremely excited the planning is going ahead because if it
wasn't going to go ahead we would have known that today. That
planning is going on now."
Edgson, a prominent member of the Westside Road Improvement
Committee, says the work won't come cheap.
"It's going to be in the 10's of millions of dollars," says Edgson.
The premier could not commit
to a time frame as to when any work on the more dangerous sections
north of Pine Point could or would begin.
A day after winning a byelection in Westside Kelowna, Premier
Christy Clark announced an additional one million dollars in funding
for a 15 kilometres portion of Westside Road.
Clark says the cash is on top of the 10.3 million dollars that has
been spent on Westside Road improvements since 2008.
"We are going to be keep working until we can say Westside Road is
as safe as it is scenic."
Westside Road was voted the worst road in the British Columbia
Automobile Association's third annual "Worst Roads" survey.
Local resident Isabel Pilato lives along Westside Road and often
rides her motorcycle along it.
"Any money towards Westside Road is welcome, but I don't want this
to be a dangerous goods route to avoid Kelowna. I want this to be a
lovely scenic route that people can drive at a reasonable speed and
enjoy the view.
The patching and paving work that Clark announced Thursday is from
Jenny Creek to Caesars Landing.
===============
The section of Westside Road Christy Clark is going to repair
isn't the section with no shoulder but the section where they just
want to take out corners so people can drive faster and take out the
deer with them, as always. That section with no shoulder will never
be fixed with her at the helm!!
They keep spending on the cheapest fixes so they don't have any
money left to fix the dangerous parts!!!
And the part that they are fixing is the part that the big trucks
broke up from taking out the last corner.
Many feel Westside Road is the most dangerous roadway in the
province. What do you believe the biggest problem is with Westside
Road?
Speed and road quality are equally the problem: 56.37%
Motorists speed more than road quality: 35.42%
Road quality more than motorists: 8.21%
Speed and road quality are equally the problem: 522
Motorists speed more than road quality: 328
Road quality more than motorists: 76
163km/h in
a 70km/h zone Castanet.net - by Wayne Moore - Kelowna
Correspondent - Story: 94604 - Jul 4, 2013
Is it the road itself or the driving public that makes Westside Road
so dangerous?
Over the Canada Day long weekend, RCMP conducted speed enforcement
on the road, voted 'The Most Dangerous Road in BC' in a recent
online survey conducted by BCAA.
Cst. Kris Clark says police continue to see dangerous speeds and
aggressive driving on Westside Road despite the winding stretch of
asphalt being well known as a treacherous roadway.
Sunday's enforcement echoed those concerns.
Clark says two motorcycles were observed speeding excessively - the
highest at 163 km/h in a 70 km/h zone.
Both motorcycles were impounded for 7 days and the drivers fined
under the Motor Vehicle Act.
Another man was stopped for passing illegally and found to be
driving while prohibited. His vehicle was impounded and he was
released roadside with a future court date.
"Every road is dangerous because you have motorists on them and
motorists can be unpredictable," says Clark.
"You drive to your ability and, if your ability dictates you can
only do 50 km/h then that's appropriate. You are increasing your
risks of serious injury and crashes by increasing your speeds on a
road that is well documented as being dangerous."
Clark says the braking distance is proportional to the square of the
speed – which means that it increases considerably as speed
increases. Add in the distance your vehicle travels while you react
to that car, pedestrian or unforseen road obstruction and you
dramatically increase your risk of being involved in a casualty
crash.
The higher your speed, the higher your risk of serious injury.
Westside-Kelowna NDP candidate Carole Gordon says it's time there
was a plan for improving traffic and roads in the riding on both
sides of the lake, and she is calling on her Liberal opponent in the
upcoming byelection, B.C. Premier Christy Clark, to commit to such a
plan.
"For year's Christy Clark's government has ignored traffic problems
and bad roads that people here face on daily basis," said Gordon.
"Westside Road was just named the worst road in B.C. for the second
year in a row, traffic is backed up every day to get across the
bridge and nothing has been done to address concerns about the
couplet in Westbank," said Gordon Thursday.
She said she has been hearing complaints from residents of the
riding about the condition of roads here since she first ran for the
NDP prior to the last provincial election May 14. Gordon was one of
the first NDP candidates nominated and started to campaign last
year.
“Like everyone else, I’ve driven these roads for years and am tired
of being stuck in traffic,” said Gordon, who is an elementary school
teacher who lives in Kelowna and, at one time, taught in Peachland.
“Christy Clark has never lived here and her government has ignored
these problems. She is out of touch with our community and ordinary
British Columbians. This by-election, voters have a chance to elect
an MLA who lives here and who won’t take their issues for granted.”
While the Liberal government of Clark's predecessor, former-premier
Gordon Campbell, built the five-lane W.R. Bennett Bridge to replace
the former three-lane Okanagan Lake Floating Bridge and has made
improvements to Westside Road in recent years, Gordon said that is
not enough.
While she acknowledged the bridge has helped, she said problems on
the highway both sides are now leading to traffic jams on the bridge
during morning and afternoon rush hours. She pointed to bottlenecks
at Highway 97 and Boucherie Road on the Westside and at Abbott
Street and Highway 97 on the Kelowna side.
She said with all the money being invested in the downtown area of
Kelowna, traffic movement on the highway and across the bridge is
critical.
She also noted that West Kelowna council recently dropped its plan
to deal with the couplet through Westbank and said that was because
the province was, in her words, "not wiling to come to the table."
Another transportation issue that needs to be addressed is a second
crossing of the lake, said Gordon. Work should start now on
identifying a crossing point and corridors to that point on both
sides of the lake, she added.
Gordon said she plans to raise the issue of roads and traffic here
with Clark when the two square off, along with the six other
byelection candidates, in a debate July 4.
The Westside-Kelowna byelection will be held July 10.
The Regional Board has received a letter from the Union of BC
Municipalities that Gas Tax Funding has been approved for a
Regional District proposal submitted under the Regionally
Significant Project Fund. The Regional District will receive
just over $4.4-million as the local government share toward the
purchase of new or replacement transit buses or debt servicing
on buses within the Kelowna Regional Transit system fleet.
OPHUS/GRAY
THAT the April 22, 2013 letter from UBCM confirming approval for
the Regionally Significant Project funding of $4,402,420 towards
the purchase and debt repayment for buses for the Kelowna
Transit System be received for information.
Moritz v. HMQ Province of BC, 2009 BCPC 357 (CanLII)
Date: 2009-11-20
Docket: 0832723
URL:
http://canlii.ca/t/27thl
Citation: Moritz v. HMQ Province of BC, 2009 BCPC 357 (CanLII)
[132] A government decision to build or upgrade a road, or to
provide or not provide a certain level of maintenance on a road, is
a policy decision. It may be successfully attacked only if it is not
made in good faith – if it is not a reasonable exercise of the bona
fide discretion of government.
From: North Westsider
Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2013 12:34 AM Pacific Standard Time
To: Tekano, Murray TRAN:EX
Cc: Diane Baldwin <zoeandus "at" telus.net>
Subject: Westside Road Construction
To Ministry of Transportation Murray Tekano:
I see your working on Westside Road wrecking it at the Kelowna end.
I don't see how that corner your taking out is any more dangerous
than the three sections falling into Okanagan Lake? Thank goodness
for small miracles that the WFN gravel pit that was proposed to go
in beside LaCasa didn't go in. Just look at what the big trucks are
doing to all those sections where the Ministry has put up poles and
signs warning of broken pavement.
I would be more worried about vehicles going off the broken pavement
on at least three non-shoulder sections on the Lake side that the
Ministry is not working on, than where the Ministry is currently
fixing up.
Wouldn't 4 warning signs be sufficient for that corner your
currently working on taking out?
Tonight I saw some nice bright signs on Otter Lake Cross Road that I
couldn't miss .. each sign was across the road from each other
saying slow to 50 km per hour. These signs were just North of Tolko
Mill Armstrong, and just north of the railway tracks at Tolko. There
were bright orange reflective type poles holding the two signs.
Wouldn't two bright warning signs on opposite sides of the road be
sufficient for that corner the Ministry is currently taking out. In
my opinion that corner helps people to slow down, which in turn
helps to keep Westside Road safe and keeps animals from being hit.
I don't believe bright signs can fix Westside Road where those three
sections are falling into Okanagan Lake, because there is no room
for error there.
I believe some blasting is in order for those three sections falling
into Okanagan Lake that I mentioned, as there is rock facings that
need to be blasted out to make the road wider there. The Ministry
has to do some thing about Westside Road falling into the Lake.
Instead of spending money on what your working on, if there isn't
enough money to fix the sections falling into Okanagan Lake now,
maybe wait a few years and save some money up instead of spending it
on parts that don't need fixing.
I believe that the Ministry is wasting money taking out that corner
that is currently being worked on. I know of a more dangerous corner
that big trucks have a hard time manoeuvring. Specifically that very
narrow corner with the cement barricade on the Lake side where you
see scrap marks on the cement barricade from vehicles hitting it
because its so narrow.
Thank you
North Westsider
CC: North Westside Road Ratepayers Association President Diane
Baldwin.
=================================
Hello North Westsider:
I am writing further to your email on February 21st, 2013, to Murray
Tekano. Murray has asked me to respond on his behalf as I have been
closely involved in this project.
I understand your concerns with the broken pavement that has arisen
since the most recent construction began. This damage was large in
part due to the warm temperatures recently and the frost coming out
of the ground, some restrictions have been placed on construction
truck hauling and we will continue to closely monitor the condition
of Westside road during construction. Our maintenance contractor
will be repairing these areas starting February 21st, 2013 and the
temporary warning signs identifying these damaged areas will be
taken down.
I appreciate your questions and concerns regarding our current works
and other sections along Westside rd.
The project we are doing at Cinnebar creek is to address an unsafe,
sub-standard curve and bring that section up to our current
standards and a 70km\hr speed zone that is in line with other recent
improvements along Westside rd. Although signage is appropriate in
some instances, improving alignment and road widths is always the
safer long term option when the funding is available.
I am not aware of any sections of Westside rd that are falling into
the lake as you have mentioned, however, the three sections I
believe you are speaking about have been reviewed by Ministry staff.
As I am sure you are aware, construction in this location will be
quite costly and difficult and as with all of our projects it is
funding dependant. As part of our ongoing improvements to Westside
rd, a project at the north end of this section from Blue Grouse to
Jenny Cr is set to begin in the next few weeks and we will continue
to assess this section for the possibility of future projects as
funding becomes available.
If you have any more questions or concerns please feel free to
contact me directly at 250-712-3666 or by email at steve.sirett "at"
gov.bc.ca
Thank you for taking the time to write.
Sincerely
Steve Sirett
District Program Manager - Okanagan Shuswap
Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure
#300 – 1358 St. Paul Street
Kelowna BC
V1Y 2E1
Office: 250-712-3666
Cell: 250-878-1834
CC: Murray Tekano
CC: North Westside Road Ratepayers Association President Diane
Baldwin.
========================================
Hello Steve:
Can you please direct your attention away from what you are doing
and fix the 3 problem area's I have described that are falling into
the Lake (real problems)?
The Ministry is not going to have any funding to fix the real
problems, the way the Ministry is spending it!!!
Thank you
North Westsider
cc: North Westside Road Ratepayers Association President Diane
Baldwin
Nancee Way and Sneena Roundabout Construction schedule
*Note* This is only a snippet, please click link above
for entire content
Being a bylaw to repeal the Regional District of Central Okanagan Handi-Dart
Transit Local Service Area Establishment Bylaw No. 419,1990
WHEREAS the Regional District of Central Okanagan has adopted the "Regional
District of Central Okanagan Handi-Dart Transit Local Service Area Establishment
Bylaw No. 419, 1990 and Regional District of Central Okanagan Handi-Dart Transit
Local Service Area Establishment Amendment Bylaw No. 965, 2002 and 1263, 2009";
AND WHEREAS the Westbank First Nation (as part of Central Okanagan West
Electoral Area) has expressed a desire to assume responsibility for Handi-Dart
Transit Services within their boundaries and the Regional Board has agreed to
this;
AND WHEREAS Director of Central Okanagan West Electoral Area has consented in
writing to the adoption of this Bylaw;
NOW THEREFORE the Regional District of Central Okanagan, in open meeting
assembled, enacts as follows:
1. That Regional District of Central Okanagan Handi-Dart Transit Local Service
Area Establishment Bylaw No. 419, 1990 be repealed;
2. This Bylaw may be cited as Regional District of Central Okanagan Handi-Dart
Transit Local Service Area Establishment Amendment Bylaw No. 1313, 2012.
===============
RE: Withdrawal of WFN from local Services Agreement Schedules D and E (Handi-Dart
Transit and Westside Transit).
This will confirm to the Regional District of Central Okanagan that effective
April 1r 2012, Westbank First Nation has contracted directly with BC Transit for
the provision of transit services previously provided through the Local Services
Agreement with the Regional District under Schedules D and E.
Effective April 1, 2012, Westbank First Nation will remit payment for this
service directly to BC Transit. WFN hereby request that the Regional District
adjust their budget allocation· under the service agreement to accommodate this
change;
specifically charge WFN for January, February and March transit service in the
allocation, and remove transit charges from April 1 onward.
The Regional Board has approved reassigning federal Regional Gas Tax funding for
transit improvements in the District of West Kelowna. The more than $3.5-million
will be transferred to the municipality from the City of Kelowna in order to
construct a new Westgate Road transit exchange in the District as part of the
Rapid Bus project. The funding had previously been approved with the Regional
District prior to the incorporation of West Kelowna in 2007. In addition, staff
will work with the Union of BC Municipalities which administers the federal Gas
Tax funding agreement and West Kelowna to prepare a new funding arrangement with
the West Kelowna local government.
*Note* This is only a snippet, please click link above
for entire content
Recommendation:
THAT the Regional Board approve of the reassignment of three million five
hundred and ninety thousand dollars ($3,590,000) in federal Gas Tax funding from
the City of Kelowna to the District of West Kelowna for completion of
infrastructure associated with Phase 2 of the Rapid Bus project;
AND THAT the Regional Board endorse the change of a proposed transit exchange
from along Stevens Rd to along Westgate Rd and next to Hwy 97.
AND THAT the Regional Board support a request to the Union of BC Municipalities
for an extension of the deadline for using the Gas Tax funding from September
30th, 2013 to December 31st, 2014.
6.1 Reassignment of Regional Gas Tax Funding to the District of West Kelowna
(All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
Staff report dated January 8, 2013 outlined that in 2007 UBCM approved
funding for infrastructure associated with the Rapid Bus service operating
between the Westbank Town Centre and UBC-Okanagan campus. Of the $10.5M
approved, $3.59M was related to proposed transit infrastructure within the
District of West Kelowna. At that time, the City of Kelowna agreed to
administer the government funding as West Kelowna had not yet incorporated.
Since that time incorporation has occurred, as well the area of proposed
improvements has significantly changed.
Staff provided a brief review of the background. There is an agreement in place
for gas tax funding which was approved as part of the region's Smart Transit
Plan. A capital plan was produced in 2006 and the funds approved in 2007. Phase
1 started in 2008 in Kelowna and was completed in 2010. Phase 2 of the plan is
within West Kelowna boundaries. Since the application was made, priorities have
changed and amendments are required as the infrastructure will be located with
the boundaries of West Kelowna. In addition, the current agreement expires in
2013 and an extension for the completion of the projects is required to the end
of 2014.
FINDLATER/GIVEN
THAT the Regional Board approve of the reassignment of $3,590,000 in Federal Gas
Tax funding from the City of Kelowna to the District of West Kelowna for
completion of infrastructure associated with Phase 2 of the Rapid Bus project;
AND THAT the Regional Board endorse the change of a proposed transit exchange
from along Stevens Road to along Westgate Road and next to Hwy 97;
AND THAT the Regional Board support a request to the Union of BC Municipalities
for an extension of the deadline for using the Gas Tax funding from September
30, 2013 to December 31, 2014.
BYLAW NO. 1312
Being a bylaw to repeal the Regional District of Central Okanagan Urban Transit
Local Service Area Establishment Bylaw No. 376, 1990
WHEREAS the Regional District of Central Okanagan has adopted the "Regional
District of Central Okanagan Urban Transit Local Service Area Establishment
Bylaw No. 376, 1990," and as amended by Bylaw No. 722, Bylaw No. 765, Bylaw No.
935, Bylaw No. 966, and Bylaw No. 1264;
AND WHEREAS the District of Peachland has expressed a
desire to assume full responsibility for Urban Transit Services within their
boundaries and the Regional Board has agreed to this;
AND WHEREAS the Westbank First Nation has expressed a
desire to assume full responsibility for Urban Transit Services within their
boundaries and the Regional Board has agreed to this;
AND WHEREAS the
Director of Central Okanagan West
Electoral Area has consented in writing to the adoption of this Bylaw;
NOW THEREFORE, as there are no other participants in the establishment bylaw,
the Regional District of Central Okanagan, in open meeting assembled, enacts as
follows:
1. That Regional District of Central Okanagan Urban Transit Local Service Area
Establishment Bylaw No. 376,1990 be repealed;
2. This Bylaw may be cited as Regional District of Central Okanagan Urban
Transit Local Service Area Establishment Amendment Bylaw No. 1312, 2012.
===============
CONSENT
I, the undersigned Director of Central Okanagan West Electoral of the Regional
District of Central Okanagan, hereby consent to the "Regional District of
Central Urban Transit Local Service Area Establishment Amendment Bylaw No.
1312,2012".
Jim Edgson
Central Okanagan West Electoral Area
Dated at Kelowna, B.C. this 30th day of October 2012
7.1 Regional District of Central Okanagan Urban Transit Local Service Area
Establishment Amendment Bylaw No. 1312,2012, Adoption (All Directors -
Unweighted Vote)
FIELDING/OPHUS
THAT Regional District of Central Okanagan Urban Transit Local Service Area
Establishment Amendment Bylaw No. 1312,2012 be adopted this 10th day of December
2012.
6.4 District of West Kelowna re: Participation in Regional District Services
(for information) (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
The District of West Kelowna's letter of November 14, 2012 outlined Council's
request to initiate an informal review of West Kelowna's participation in
Economic Development Commission and regional planning; as well as initiate
discussions regarding withdrawal from Transportation Demand Management (TDM),
Noxious Weed Control, Noxious Insect Control and Air Quality services.
The letter included a request to facilitate changes prior to adoption of the
2013 Financial Plan.
The Board noted that to cease funding before the next budget year would not be
reasonable. Discussion will need to occur with the other service partners and
decisions made whether the District can withdrawal from the service, and if so
whether to 'pare down' or stop a service entirely. Concern was expressed that
withdrawing from regional services impacts the partners and, as example air
quality impacts all residents in the valley and beyond.
Staff noted that the Ministry has been contacted with regard to 'dispute
resolution' to determine how issues would be resolved--what would the framework
be should there be disagreement. Staff will need to determine the amount of work
it will take to properly review the request and, if required, the Board will
need to further determine priorities for the CAO for the remainder of his
secondment.
BLANLEIL/GRAY
THAT the November 14, 2012 letter from the District of West Kelowna regarding
the notice for an informal review of participation in the Economic Development
Commission and regional planning, and withdrawal of service from Transportation
Demand Management (TDM), Noxious Weed Control, Noxious Insect Control and Air
Quality services be received;
AND FURTHER THAT the Chief Administrative Officer be directed to prepare a
timeline and process for consideration of the request by the District of West
Kelowna and report back to the Board in due course.
6.1 Quarterly Program Measures Report (Year-to-Date - September 30,
2012)
Staff report dated November 1, 2012 outlined the program measures report year
to- date September 30, 2012. Staff highlighted the executive summary comments.
- Corporate Services
o Recruitment process for new CAO has begun
- Waste Reduction
o Launch of paper reduction program
o Commercial waste quantities reduced by 2.8%
o Curbside collection radio frequency identification system
• 1331 non-compliant customers identified and contacted, only 52
reoffenders
o Recycling - market downturn, budget effect
- Environmental Services
o Falcon Ridge Water - exploratory drilling for a new well
o Trepanier Bench Water - fire effects - 110 risk evident
o Leak Detection program for Westshore Water resulted in 43% reduction, and at
Killiney Beach 20% of m3 pumped
o RDCO lift stations/collector systems - all pumps being investigated for
deterioration
o Killiney Beach Water - reduction to scope of upgrade
o Reduced clerical staff by 0.5 FTE
o WWTP - Stage 3 design work completed.
- Information Systems
o MOU Lake Country has yet to sign the agreement. Concern regarding 2013 impact
to partners if Lake Country does not sign on.
- Development Services
o School site acquisition
o Inspection Services - staff reduction
o Dog Control- review report received in October. Implementation plan will be
coming forward for Board consideration.
o Noxious insect control - low complaint numbers.
- Protective Services
o Trepanier Fire
o Black Mountain grass fire
o Wilsons Land Volunteer Fire Department - volunteer fire chief leaving
-
Regional Rescue
o 4 total EOC activations, 27 ESS activations
o Operation exercise - Sept 13
o Review of service is under way
- Parks Services
o Parkland acquisitions - 3 properties closed
o Mission Creek - upgrade to playground
o Trepanier Creek Greenway fire
o Bear closures
o Interpretation programs 8% increase in participants
- Crime Stoppers
o Vehicle donated to the program
o Sponsorship packages being developed
o Tips provided lead to info on two major homicides
- EDC
o Recruitment of United Airlines flights into Kelowna
o Export development - increased interest from China
- Purchasing
With the hiring of a purchasing manager, total quantifiable savings to date are
$201,902, including risk reduction to RDCO, time savings for managers and staff
and stronger contracts.
It was noted that the full report is in the Board's Reader file.
Discussion
-It was noted that West Kelowna is interested in receiving further information
on the RFID program and staff will update Council in the future.
-West Kelowna will look at trunk lines in the near future. It's a low priority
for them.
-School site acquisition - approved by the Province, developers will be required
to pay a fee in the future.
-Information provided to Kelowna for review of boundary extension.
-What are the financial implications of reduced recycling and reduced income is
there a way to offset costs? Staff is focusing on reduction programs (paper free
program) paying less processing costs when it ends up in the recycling bins -
it's the only thing that can be done to offset costs. Material is not being
returned to the landfill. There is no shutdown for recyclables. The material
that is recycled here is sent to relatively local markets (not China) plastics
go to the Lower Mainland, paper to Washington. We can stockpile if required but
there is no ability for reduced transportation costs as we use local markets.
Where does the money go for electronics? The Electronics Stewardship of BC -
they run the program, collecting, marketing, hauling, processing and they fund
depot operations.
BAKER/EDGSON
THAT the Quarterly Program Measures report year-to-date September 30, 2012 be
received for information.
CARRIED
===============
6.2 Briefing on
2013-2017 Financial Plan & Overview of the Process
Staff report dated October
30, 2012 outlined general impacts to consider during the 2013-2017 Financial
Plan discussions. Full reporting will be completed through the budgeting process
beginning in February. General impacts for 2013 were highlighted as a heads-up
for the budgeting process.
BAKER/CONDON
THAT the 2013-2017 Financial Plan overview be received for information.
The Regional Board supports a request
from the Westbank First Nation to establish its own Handi-dart service Operating
Agreement with BC Transit. The Board has agreed to repeal RDCO Handi-Dart
Transit Local Service Area Establishment Bylaw No. 419 which saw the Regional
District provide the service on WFN reserves. The Board has now given three
readings to an Amendment Bylaw No. 1313 to reflect the service change. Once
approved by the Province, the amendment bylaw will be considered by the Regional
Board for adoption.
6.1 Repeal RDCO Handi-Dart Transit Local Service Area Establishment Bylaw No.
419, 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
Staff report dated October 30,2012 outlined the need to repeal the current
RDCO Handi-Dart Transit Bylaw which currently only applies to the lands within
Westbank First Nation (WFN).
WFN has requested that they want to
establish their own Annual Operating Agreement with BC Transit, and BC Transit
has agreed to this.
FINDLATER/GIVEN
WHEREAS Westbank First Nation by way of their letter of July 30, 2012 confirmed
that they wish to establish their own Operating Agreements with BC Transit
effective April 1, 2012;
THEREFORE, the Regional Board agrees to the request of Westbank First Nation and
directs staff to forward a bylaw to repeal the RDCO Handi-Dart Transit Local
Service Area Establishment Bylaw No. 419.
CARRIED
===========
FINDLATER/GIVEN
THAT Regional District of Central Okanagan Handi-Dart Transit Local Service Area
Establishment Amendment Bylaw No. 1313 be given first, second and third readings
this 8th day of November 2012
Upgrades are moving ahead for Westside Road but some residents are
not satisfied.
The provincial government has announced $4.5 million will be spent
on realigning, widening, shouldering and installing barriers along
two kilometres, 18 kilometres north of the Kelowna end of the road.
“It’s too little,” said Allastair Fergusson, with the North Westside
Ratepayers Association.
Fergusson believes there are other areas of Westside Road that
require more attention than the two sites selected.
“There’s one area by LaCasa that’s twisty and broken up and if you
meet a logging truck, you have to stop because there’s not room to
pass,” he said.
Among the concerns is that development could lead to increased
traffic.
“It is a strange coincidence that all of these improvements are
coinciding with the application and pending approval for a gravel
pit,” said Diane Baldwin, with the ratepayers association.
The association wants more effort to bring all of the road up to a
sufficient level to improve safety.
“We realize there’s a cost involved but there’s been a lot of
deaths,” said Fergusson.
“If there are constant gravel truck trips, there will be more
(fatalities).”
Jim Edgson, regional district director, is satisfied with a staged
approach to improvements along the road based on the cost and
geographical challenges.
“I am extremely happy. We’ve seen a leap forward in the planning and
implementation process,” he said.
“Westside Road is in need of upgrading over the next years and the
Ministry of Transportation has a plan in place.”
Edgson also gives the ministry credit for improving communication
with residents.
“We have seen a ramp-up in the ministry informing us of their
plans,” he said.
The current project will include realignment of 280 metres of narrow
two-lane road with two inferior curves and the replacement of a
Cinnabar Creek culvert.
Paving is due to be completed by April, with the entire project done
by May.
“These projects will make a significant difference for drivers,”
said Westside-Kelowna MLA Ben Stewart.
“The demands of a fast-growing community have taken their toll on
infrastructure designed for far fewer people. We’ve announced
positive and decisive steps to correct that.”
Proposed Greyhound Route Reductions
The Regional Board will send a letter to the BC Passenger Transportation Board
expressing disappointment over proposed route frequency reductions by Greyhound
Canada. The Board believes the decrease in bus service will further erode
transportation services for rural communities. In light of these proposed
changes and past Greyhound service reductions, the Board will send a letter to
the Province requesting a review of the monopoly on bus transportation with a
focus on local solutions.
Local Transit Service Bylaw
The Regional Board has given three readings to a proposed bylaw that would amend
the Local Transit Service Area Establishment Bylaw No. 376. The amendment
removes the Regional District from providing transit services on behalf of the
District of Peachland and Westbank First Nation. Both local governments have
indicated to the Regional District that they wish to form their own transit
operation agreements with BC Transit.
7.1 Greyhound Canada Transportation re: Proposed Change in
Route Frequency (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
Greyhound Canada Transportation ULC's letter of October 10, 2012 outlined the
company's plan for a reduction in Greyhound service for routes between Kelowna
and Penticton, Kelowna and Alberta Border and Hwy 3, and Kelowna and Vancouver.
Concern was expressed that the company is reducing service because the economics
aren't working. It's not low cost transit and little has been done over the
years to make bus transportation viable. In discussion, questions were raised
whether a company should be forced to run more service that doesn't work and
isn't profitable, has a monopoly on the service without
competition, and it seems Greyhound is getting down to the point where it's a
package-delivery service rather than a public transportation service.
GRAY/BLANLEIL
THAT the correspondence from Greyhound Canada Transportation ULC regarding an
application with the BC Passenger Transportation Board for a reduction in bus
service affecting residents in the Central Okanagan be received.
DEFEATED (tie
vote)
GRAY/STACK
THAT a letter be sent to the BC Passenger Transportation Board expressing
disappointment regarding the proposed reduction of Greyhound Canada
Transportation service and the continued erosion to rural communities;
AND FURTHER THAT a letter be sent to the Province requesting that in light of
the proposed cutbacks in bus transportation and prior cutbacks in Greyhound
service routes, that the monopoly on bus transportation be reviewed with a focus
on local solutions.
CARRIED
================
11. NEW BUSINESS
11.1
Regional District of Central Okanagan Transit Local Service Area Establishment
Amendment Bylaw No. 1312, 2012, 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
Staff report dated October 15, 2012 outlined that notice has
been given from the District of Peachland and Westbank First Nation that they
wish to establish their own Operating Agreement with BC Transit.
FIELDING/EDGSON
WHEREAS The Corporation of the District of Peachland by way of their letter to
the Regional District dated September 25, 2012 confirmed that they wish to
establish their own Operating Agreement with BC Transit effective April 1, 2013;
AND WHEREAS Westbank First Nation by way of their letter of July 30, 2012
confirmed that they wish to establish their own Operating Agreement with BC
Transit effective April 1, 2012;
THEREFORE, the Regional Board agrees to the request of The Corporation of
District of Peachland and Westbank First Nation and directs staff to forward a
bylaw to repeal the Urban Transit Local Service Area Establishment Bylaw No.
376.
CARRIED
EDGSON/FIELDING
THAT Regional District of Central Okanagan Urban Transit Local Service Area
Establishment Amendment Bylaw No. 1312, 2012 be given first, second and third
readings this 22nd day of October 2012.
The Regional Board has received a letter from the Union of BC Municipalities
outlining approval of Federal Gas Tax funding for several Regionally Significant
Projects totalling more than $3.5-million. Among the projects approved for Gas
Tax funding:
• Regional Active Transportation Project - $2,247,315
• Septic Treatment Upgrades Project - $780,000
• Upgrade and provide backup Centrifuge at Regional Septage Treatment facility -
$317,900
• Regional Household Travel Survey - $150,000
• Review and update Regional Air Quality Management Plan - $38,000
At its October 4, 2012 meeting, the Gas Tax Agreement's Management Committee
made funding decisions for the Regionally Significant Project Fund applications.
I am pleased to advise that your applications for the following projects have
been
approved for RSP funding of the lesser amount indicated or 100% of the actual
eligible costs of each approved project:
7.3 Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) - Approval of Regionally Significant
Project Fund Applications (for information only)
FINDLATER/FIELDING
THAT the October 12, 2012 letter from the Union of BC Municipalities confirming
approval of the Regional Significant Project Funding for the following projects
be received:
Driving on Westside Road is about to become a little safer upon
completion of an infrastructure upgrade. The project involves the
re-aligning, widening, shouldering and installation of barriers for
a total of approximately two kilometres at two separate sections of
Westside Road.
• The project will improve safety by removing 30 km/h curves,
widening the roadway to include paved shoulders and installing
concrete barriers.
• Paving is due to be completed by April 2013. Subject to paving
plant availability, the entire project is due to be completed by May
2013.
“These projects will make a significant difference for drivers in
West Kelowna. The demands of a fast-growing community have taken
their toll on infrastructure designed for far fewer people. Today,
we’ve announced positive and decisive steps to correct that,” says
Westside-Kelowna MLA Ben Stewart.
Construction-weary motorists will be pleased to find out another
milestone has been completed on the Westside Road Interchange
project.
Fresh lines were painted on Highway 97 near Westside Rd. as
completion of the Nancee Way overpass draws near.
Since work began on the building of the William R. Bennett bridge in
2005, commuters travelling between Kelowna and the Westside have
driven through some type of construction zone on a continual basis
for over seven years..
Now the end is almost in the rear view mirror.
Motorists were greeted by freshly painted lines on the stretch of
highway near the new Westside Road overpass, signaling that the
Nancee Way overpass is almost complete.
"We should be moving the traffic back on to its final and
pre-existing alignment on Highway 97 by the middle of November,"
says project spokesperson Evelyn Lube.
"We've got the workers continuing to build the overpass...crews are
working six days a week."
Lube added they expect the entire project will be complete by the
end of December.
"The key parts are the opening of the (Nancee Way) overpass, so
you'll be able to travel underneath there, and the re-alignment of
Highway 97, so those will be completed by the middle of November."
The completion of the Nancee Way overpass will also affect the merge
lane coming onto the highway off of Westside Road.
"You'll see a longer on-ramp onto Highway 97. And you'll no longer
see the 'wow' in the road any more, it'll be nice and straight, like
it was before," says Lube.
However, the 60 Km/h speed limit will remain in effect for the
remainder of the year.
"There will still be workers in close proximity to the highway on
both sides, so that will stay in place until the project is
completed at the end of December."
The Regional Board has approved
submitting three Regionally Significant projects to the Union of BC
Municipalities (UBCM) for consideration and approval through the Central
Okanagan share of Gas Tax Funding. Of the total $8.7-million in Regionally
Significant Project funding for the Central Okanagan, almost $506,000 hasn’t yet
been allocated. The Board proposes spending $317,969 to upgrade and provide a
backup centrifuge at the Regional facility that treats septic tank waste;
$150,000 for a Regional Household Travel Survey and Analysis and $38,000 to
review and update the Regional Air Quality Management Plan.
*Note, below is only a snippet, please click link above
for entire content
Agenda No: 6.1
Mtg Date: Aug. 20, 2012
TO: Regional Board
FROM: Chief Administrative Officer
DATE: August 16, 2012
SUBJECT: Regionally Significant Gas Tax Fund Projects
REGIONAL DISTRICT of CENTRAL OKANAGAN Regional Board Report
RECOMMENDATION
THAT the Board approve the following projects be forwarded to the Union of
British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) as eligible Regionally Significant
Projects (RSP) utilizing the remaining $505,969 of funding available for the
Central Okanagan Region:
• Central Okanagan Regional Household Travel Survey and Analysis - $150,000
• Central Okanagan Air Quality Management Plan: Review and Update - $38,000
• RDCO Centrifuge Upgrade - Septic Treatment Facility - $317,969;
AND THAT staff report to the Board as projects making up the Central Okanagan's
$8,722,420
allocation are approved through the Gas Tax Management Committee administered by
UBCM;
AND FURTHER THAT staff prepare a report to the Board with a recommendation for
funding of
the shortfall of approximately $42,000 related to Centrifuge Upgrade.
It was noted that the BC Transit review has been received and will be discussed
at an upcoming CAOs meeting with feedback coming back to the individual
municipal contract holders.
==================
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6.1 Regionally Significant Gas Tax Fund Project Approval (All Directors
Unweighted Vote)
Staff report dated August 16, 2012 outlined the Regionally Significant Gas Tax
Funds (RSP) remaining from the approximate $8.7mil allocated for the Central
Okanagan. These funds must be allocated by the Regional Board prior to September
31, 2012. Staff from the RDCO and partner municipalities met to review various
projects and have agreed to the three recommendations.
These are regional priorities, not necessarily municipal priorities.
The centrifuge upgrade for the regional septic facility in Lake Country is
estimated at $600,000. There is $240,000 in reserve funding leaving a shortfall
of approximately $42,000. At a future meeting staff will provide options for
consideration of this shortfall. The request for the septage upgrade is for a
secondary process. It is imperative to have a backup as this is the only
plant that serves the entire Central Okanagan. There will always be properties
throughout all areas of the Central Okanagan that will be served by septic, not
sewer. If the plant goes down there is currently no backup. The upgrade is
budgeted in the 5-Year Financial Plan.
Concern was expressed that the Board is not fully aware of the complete plan for
the septage facility noting the Board had discussed that the service should be
self-funding operationally but that it would not be possible on a capital basis.
Further information needs to be shared on the long-term plans for the facility.
Staff reviewed the requirements for an updated travel
survey which will provide data for different modes of transportation (ie:
time, purpose, mode) and comparing the results over time. This will be the third
analysis completed-the
first in 1996 and the second in 2007 (which was co-funded by the City of Kelowna
and Vernon).
Although there is no longer a valley-wide Airshed coalition, the Central
Okanagan's air quality management plan requires updating and fits within the
criteria of the RSP funding guidelines.
It was noted that the current criteria for the RSP funding is under Tier 2
funding and that cannot be changed for this phase of the federal gas tax
funding.
BAKER/EDGSON
THAT the Board approve the following projects be forwarded to the Union of
British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) as eligible Regionally Significant
Projects (RSP) utilizing the remaining $505,969 of funding available for the
Central Okanagan Region;
• Central Okanagan Regional Household Travel Survey and Analysis - $150,000
• Central Okanagan Air Quality Management Plan: Review and Update $38,000
• RDCO Centrifuge Upgrade - Septic Treatment Facility - $317,969.
AND THAT staff report to the Board as projects making up the Central Okanagan's
$8,722,420 allocation are approved through the Gas Tax Management Committee
administered by UBCM;
AND FURTHER THAT staff prepare a report to the Board with a recommendation for
funding of the shortfall of approximately $42,000 related to the Centrifuge
Upgrade.
FINDLATER/OPHUS
THAT staff be requested to provide a detailed report to the Board on the
regional septic service and facility upgrade to include the proposed capital and
operating funding requirements.
There was nothing mentioned in the Highlights about Peachland opting out of
transit with the rest of the Regional District and negotiating service directly
with BC Transit.
Regional District of Central Okanagan
Attn: Paul Macklem, Interim CAO
1450 KlO Road
Kelowna, BC, V1W 3Z4
Dear Paul Macklem:
Re: Be Transit Service Agreements
The District of Peachland is moving towards managing the BC Transit servicing
agreements (BC Transit Service Agreement, Master Operating Agreement and Annual
Operating Agreement) directly with BC Transit, effective March 31, 2013. Please
accept this as a formal request for the RDCO to designate the District of
Peachland as the provider for these agreements.
Additionally, we would like to request that if there is any residual funding
remaining with the Regional Distinct for transit services after the agreement
has been transferred, that they be returned to the District of Peachland.
Your cooperation in this project is appreciated, and please let me know if there
is anything Peachland Staff can do to help assist with this request.
Sincerely,
Keith Fielding
Mayor, District of Peachland
cc. Peachland Council
Elsie lemke, CAO
Steve Harvard, Senior Regional Transit Manager,Southern Interior BC Transit
6.1 The Corporation of the District of Peachland re: BC Transit Service
Agreements
District of Peachland letter of June 4, 2012 gives notice that the District is
moving towards managing its own BC Transit service agreement effective March 31,
2012. Staff will be preparing a bylaw amendment for Board approval.
FINDLATER/FIELDING
THAT the June 4, 2012 letter from the District of Peachland providing notice
that the municipality is moving to manage its own BC Transit service agreement
effective March 31,2012 be received.
Regional Active Transportation Master Plan
The Regional Board has endorsed the Regional Transportation Master Plan. It was
developed in consultation with local governments across the region and presents
a unified vision of a safe and convenient future primary route and secondary
connector system for
cyclists and pedestrians
linking key destinations across the region, parallel to the main highway 97 and
33 routes. The plan envisions a phased development starting first with good
pedestrian and cycling linkages within each local government, then shifting to
complete the regional connections.
Just over $2.2-million
in Regionally Significant Projects federal Gas Tax Funding will be distributed
(based on population) to each local government in the Central Okanagan for
identified priority active transportation infrastructure work as part of the
primary Active Transportation network.
Regionally Significant Bus Purchase The Regional Board
has agreed to allocate more than $4.4-million in
Regionally Significant Project federal gas tax funding toward the local
government share for the purchase of new transit buses or debt
servicing on buses within the Kelowna Regional Transit system fleet.
With the Regional Board endorsement, an application will be submitted for
approval of the Union of BC Municipalities, which administers the Canada-BC Gas
Tax Funding program.
7.1 Rise and Report - Governance &
Services Committee meeting of July 12, 2012
a) Regionally Significant Gas
Tax Funding Approval- Regional Active Transportation Master Plan (All Directors
- Unweighted
Vote)
FINDLATER/BAKER
THAT the Regional Board endorse the Regional Active Transportation Master Plan,
as prepared by the City of Kelowna Regional Services Department, and refer the
Plan to local governments for possible public consultation and final approval;
AND THAT the Regional District include the Regional Active Transportation Master
Plan in its consultations on the Regional Growth Strategy;
AND FURTHER THAT the implementation of the Regional Active Transportation Plan
be referred to the Sustainable Transportation Partnership for oversight and as a
basis for seeking senior government funding.
CARRIED
OPHUS/ZIMMERMANN
THAT the $2,247,315 allocated by the Regional Board from the Regionally
Significant Projects - Gas Tax Funding for active transportation planning and
projects, be applied to local governments in the Central Okanagan for priority
regional active
transportation improvements, on the basis of the 2011 Census population
distribution.
CARRIED
b) Regionally Significant Gas Tax Funding Approval-
Regional Bus Purchase and Debt Service Reduction (All Directors - Unweighted
Vote)
BAKER/OPHUS
THAT the $4,402,420.00 allocated by the Regional Board from the Regionally
Significant Projects - Gas Tax funding be applied towards the local government's
share of new transit bus acquisition or debt servicing on transit buses within
the Kelowna Regional Transit System;
AND THAT the Regionally Significant Project application be submitted to UBCM for
approval;
AND FURTHER THAT the funding agreement with UBCM be assigned to BC Transit.
The first section of the new exchange is back to normal after part
of the overpass came down just after it was opened.
The Nancee Way Overpass will be delayed by two months.
Wall fascia panels, the root cause of a partial collapse of the
north wall of the Westside Road Overpass is also responsible for the
delay in completion of the overpass.
The second overpass at Nancee Way was scheduled for completion
sometime in October, however, project spokesperson, Evelyn Lube,
says it will now be mid to late December before construction is
finally complete.
The overpass represents the final phase of the $41M Westside Road
Interchange.
Traffic is backing up heading into West Kelowna as new construction
for the Nancee Way overpass is delayed.
Lube says the same panels, from the same supplier, used in the
Westside Road Overpass are being used in the Nancee Way Overpass.
"They (wall panels) had to be re-ordered and they had to be
re-tested. There was some additional testing that was required
before we could begin construction on the wall," says Lube.
"The issue has been addressed. They (wall panels) have been
delivered to the site so you will see work happening on the east
side of Highway 97 while they place those panels."
That has forced a delay in the project for a couple of months.
While it appears as if the construction site at Nancee Way below
Highway 97 South has been idle for several weeks, Lube says that
isn't totally correct.
"Even though it may not be apparent while you travel along Highway
97 work is continuing on the project. It has not stopped," says
Lube.
"The only work we could do was the excavation part and the utility
work."
Lube says everyone from the motoring public to the contractors
themselves want to see the project complete as quickly as possible.
"We had to do our due diligence to make sure things are going to
proceed and the end product is safe."
While any road construction project is weather dependent, Lube says
they are on schedule for a late fall opening.
She adds they are always looking for efficiencies which will move
the project along a little quicker.
As for traffic flow, Lube says motorists will continue to utilize
the temporary travel alignment until mid November when the
excavation is complete and the alignment can be moved over to the
permanent one.
Work has begun on a series of safety
improvements to Westside Road.
The improvements include 5.5km of paving as well as construction of
three new vehicle pullouts.
Okanagan Aggregates was awarded a $1.2M contract for the paving work
which will include three key stretches of Westside Road:
• Near La Casa: starting 400m north of Barcelona Road and continuing
north for 1 km.
• Near Parker Cove: starting 400m south of Whiteman Creek Bridge and
continuing north for 1.5 km.
• Near Little Kingdom: starting 700m south of Six Mile Road and
continuing north for 2.9 km.
The three new pullouts are on top of three added a year ago. These
include:
• 1.5 km north of Bear Lake Forest Service Road near Pine Point,
southbound.
• 7.4 km north of Bear Lake Forest Service Road; approx. 400m north
of Wilson Landing Fire Hall, northbound.
• 11 km north of Bear Lake Forest Service Road at Dimitri Creek;
approx. 5 km north of Wilson Landing. The pullout is southbound, and
the project includes straightening the curve to improve safety.
"There are many year-round residents who live along Westside Road
and, in the summer, the traffic increases as tourists take advantage
of the many resorts, Bear Creek Provincial Park and Fintry
Provincial Park," says Westside-Kelowna MLA Ben Stewart.
"This work will address safety concerns by improving the road
condition in three key areas. The vehicle pull-outs will give
recreational vehicles the chance to move over so traffic doesn't
back up."
Road signs will also be upgraded and additional corner markers and
reflective road delineators added between Bear Creek Road and
Highway 97 at O'Keefe Ranch.
Recently, Westside Road was named the worst road in the province in
a survey conducted by the BC Automobile Association
Westside-Kelowna MLA Ben Stewart announces the
province's plan to begin a $1.35 million improvement to Westside
Road.
New pullouts and 5.5 km of road resurfacing are the latest steps
that the province is taking to improve the safety of Westside Road.
The project will cost the province $1.35 million and will be
completed by late fall.
"It's a start," said Westside-Kelowna MLA Ben Stewart.
"I think it's pretty clear that the magnitude of rebuilding Westside
Road is in the neighbourhood of hundreds of millions of dollars. The
reality is that our first priority is to improve the existing road."
The portions that will be improved are: Near La Casa, starting 400
metres north of Barcelona Road and continuing north for one km; near
Parker Cove, starting 400 metres south of Whiteman Creek Bridge and
continuing north for 1.5 km; near Little Kingdom, starting 700
metres south of Six Mile Road and continuing north for 2.9 km.
"These are the most targeted, specific safety improvements that the
government can deal with in term of its financial ability.
"We made improvements last year, this year we're making more and
there are further announcements to be made on this corridor,
hopefully in the coming months."
Three new pullouts for slow-moving vehicles and highway signage
improvements will also be made this year.
"The vehicle pullouts will give recreational vehicles the chance to
move over so traffic doesn't back up. . .the signage is for
(drivers') own safety to not overdrive the road."
Westside Road was named B.C.'s worst stretch of pavement in the
British Columbia Automobile Association's 2012 campaign to identify
the worst road in the province.
Stewart said that these improvements have been in the works for some
time and are not a reaction to the survey.
Murray Tekano, district manager for the Ministry of Transportation
and Infrastructure, said that sharp curves and pavement width are
the top concerns that most people have with Westside Road.
He added that barriers may be part of future improvements to the
road.
"Roadside barriers are usually set on asphalt. They absorb energy
when something hits it by moving the barrier instead of putting all
that energy into the vehicle. So to put down a roadside barrier, we
have to have a wide enough road width that the barrier can be put on
it," said Tekano.
"Where we can do widening like that, then we would do that. But
we're also looking at alternate barrier systems. Our ministry has
been using cable barrier systems. . .we may be looking at systems
like that on this roadway as well, but it still has to go through
some engineering reviews."
Director Item - Director Jim Edgson audio about
fixing Westside Road and about having another Water Rates meeting
June 19, 2012 for the North Westside Road area.
Results from a B.C. Automobile Association survey
indicated something that some residents and tourists have been
saying for years: Westside Road is the worst in the province.
Although Westside-Kelowna MLA Ben Stewart questions how scientific
BCAA’s survey is, he said that Westside Road improvements have been
his top priority since getting elected.
“I don’t dispute the issues that the residents on Westside Road have
with road safety. I drive the road all the time. I’m not a resident
out there, but I regularly drive out there and I do check things
out,” said Stewart.
He said that to improve the road to the level that many Westside
Road residents are hoping for, it would cost in excess of $100
million.
The MLA said that surveying has been done along the road and the
worst areas identified match up with the areas of concern brought
forward by the Westside Road Improvement Committee.
According to Stewart, just under $1 million has already been spent
on road widening and pullouts.
“A lot of tourists that come to the Okanagan visit Bear Creek
Provincial Park or Fintry Provincial Park. Those people don’t drive
that road every day and (often) have trailers or motor homes.
“In order for them to not have traffic backed up and people taking
unsafe chances, we’ve put in mandatory safety pullouts so that they
pull over.”
And more improvements will be forthcoming this year.
“There’s another long section of about six kilometres that’s going
to be rehabilitated this year. . .we’ll make the official
announcement once the contracts are let.”
Along with the rehabilitation to a stretch of road, Stewart said
that more safety pullouts and enhanced road safety signage will be
put in place.
Stewart drove Westside Road with Blair Lekstrom, the minister of
transportation, a couple of months ago.
“The problem is that the magnitude of the repairs is going to be
significant. In the near term, we need to look at more creative ways
at creating roadside safety barricades and doing the widening in the
absolute most dangerous spots,” said Stewart.
“We are going to get some of the worst and most offending corners
and grades and dangerous spots looked into and we’re going to come
up with what I hope is a plan at some point time during this year.
“It’s not going to be the Cadillac version, it’ll probably be down
the list from that. But it’s going to be something that I’m hopeful
will be able to give people confidence that we are looking out for
their road safety issues.”m
Last week, results from a British Columbia Automobile Association
survey indicated something that some West Kelowna residents and
tourists have been saying for years: Westside Road is the worst in
the province.
Although Westside-Kelowna MLA Ben Stewart questions how scientific
BCAA’s survey is, he said that Westside Road improvements have been
his top priority since getting elected.
“I don't dispute the issues that the residents on Westside Road have
with road safety. I drive the road all the time. I'm not a resident
out there, but I regularly drive out there and I do check things
out,” said Stewart.
He said that to improve the road to the level that many Westside
Road residents are hoping for, it would cost in excess of $100
million.
The MLA said that surveying has been done along the road and the
worst areas identified match up with the areas of concern brought
forward by the Westside Road Improvement Committee.
According to Stewart, just under $1 million has already been spent
on road widening and pullouts.
“A lot of tourists that come to the Okanagan visit Bear Creek
Provincial Park or Fintry Provincial Park. Those people don’t drive
that road every day and (often) have trailers or motor homes.
“In order for them to not have traffic backed up and people taking
unsafe chances, we’ve put in mandatory safety pullouts so that they
pull over.”
And more improvements will be forthcoming this year.
“There’s another long section of about six kilometres that’s going
to be rehabilitated this year. . .we’ll make the official
announcement once the contracts are let.”
Along with the rehabilitation to a stretch of road, Stewart said
that more safety pullouts and enhanced road safety signage will be
put in place.
He said he drove Westside Road with Blair Lekstrom, the Minister of
Transportation and Infrastructure, a couple of months ago;
therefore, the province is also aware of the lack of barricades in
unsafe areas.
“The problem is that the magnitude of the repairs is going to be
significant. In the near term, we need to look at more creative ways
at creating roadside safety barricades and doing the widening in the
absolute most dangerous spots.
“We are going to get some of the worst and most offending corners
and grades and dangerous spots looked into and we're going to come
up with what I hope is a plan at some point time during this year.
“It's not going to be the Cadillac version, it'll probably be down
the list from that. But it's going to be something that I'm hopeful
will be able to give people confidence that we are looking out for
their road safety issues.”
Municipal and regional governments from across the Central Okanagan
have formed a new partnership focused on regional, sustainable
transportation interests.
Regional District of Central Okanagan board chair, Robert Hobson
with mayors of Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland and Lake Country
along with Westbank First Nation, signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with the goal of working together to identify
and address long-term transportation issues.
"Transportation issues are top of mind for all residents across the
Central Okanagan. They are also an important part of local
government official community plans and our Central Okanagan
Regional Growth Strategy, which is being updated," says Hobson.
"This new partnership brings all of our interests to the table in
dealing efficiently and effectively with transportation matters, so
that we can find common solutions and apply them from one end of the
region to the other."
Among the benefits identified in this new partnership:
• The establishment of unified regional policies and strategic
transportation plans
• Improve responsiveness to Central Okanagan residents and local
elected officials
• Potentially reduced costs through regional efficiencies, reduced
duplication, sharing of resources, survey data, best practices and
funding
• Providing a means to measure and monitor regional benefits and
implications of transportation decisions
• Creates a forum and collective voice to effectively communicate
with senior governments.
Staff from each local government will work together in crafting more
formal agreements for the; structure, funding and operation of the
sustainable transportation partnership.
Rise and Report - Governance & Services Committee meeting of May 10, 2012 (All
Directors - Unweighted Vote)
10.1 BC Transit - Transit Future 25 Year Plan
BAKER/EDGSON
THAT the Regional Board of the Regional District of Central Okanagan endorse the
'Transit Future Plan - Central Okanagan Region', as the guiding document for
expansion of public transit service within the region over the next 25 years.
CARRIED
=================
10.2 Enhanced Transportation Partnership -
Approval of MOU between local
governments of the Central Okanagan for a Sustainable Transportation
Partnership.
FINDLATER/GRAY
THAT the Regional Board approve the Memorandum of Understanding between Local
Governments of the Central Okanagan for a Sustainable Transportation Partnership
subject to development of an Inter-local Agreement to more formally establish
the new partnership;
AND THAT the Regional District's Chief Administrative Officer be directed to
work with his counterparts with local and regional governments in the Okanagan
to draft an Inter-local Agreement for Sustainable Transportation Partnership;
AND FURTHER THAT the Regional Board Chair be authorized to sign the Memorandum
of Understanding.
RDCO Board minutes are not usually posted to RDCO's website until after being
adopted at the following Board meeting, which the next Board meeting will be
held May 28, 2012. If the minutes are not posted here yet, you can check
to see if they are posted on
RDCO's website.
Minutes of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services
Committee Meetings are not usually available until after being adopted at the
following meeting. If the minutes are not published here yet, you can
check
RDCO's website to see if they are published there yet.
The conditions of Westside Road are being voted the worst in BC.
The BC Automobile Association is out with its 2012 rankings of the
worst roads in the province, as voted on by residents, and the
stretch of road has taken the top spot with potholes and crumbling
pavement cited as major concerns.
Westside Road was ranked 18th last year.
Rounding out the top three are two roads in Prince George.
The four member municipalities of the Inter-Municipal Services
Advisory Board - Kelowna, West Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton - are
continuing their work on common municipal issues including
transit governance, the Okanagan Basin
Water Board and environmental permitting.
The board is made up of the four municipal mayors and chief
administrative officers.
On Friday, April 20, Kelowna Mayor Walter Gray, Vernon Mayor Robert
Sawatzky, West Kelowna Mayor Doug Findlater and Penticton Mayor Dan
Ashton met to plan ahead for the rest of 2012.
“By continuing to work together, the four municipalities are able to
address areas of mutual concern, which will be a benefit to all the
citizens of the Okanagan Valley,” says Penticton Mayor Dan Ashton.
In the past, that has included agreement on a common Safe Premises
bylaw to handle properties found to be cultivating illegal drugs,
the launching a Bylaw Dispute Adjudication System and lobbying for
continued support of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of
the RCMP, dedicated to organized crime activity.
This time around, the group discussed
partnership opportunities with BC Transit, which is considering
implementing a three-person panel to work with municipalities on
planning.
The Mayors agreed that larger centres would like to work in tandem
with its provincial transit partner, making the panel available to
assist smaller centres with planning.
The group also noted it is looking forward to the Okanagan Basin
Water Board’s strategic planning session scheduled for early June,
and would call on municipal peers at the coming Southern Interior
Local Government Association (SILGA) convention in Revelstoke to
offer the OBWB suggestions and recommendations for consideration
during its planning process.
Penticton Mayor Dan Ashton also broached the topic of environmental
permitting issues relating to the reconstruction of streamside
infrastructure, such as dike systems.
The City of Penticton will take the lead on the matter, writing a
letter to senior government to review the lengthy and often costly
process required before municipalities are able to conduct needed
repairs.
Mayors Gray, Sawatzky, Findlater and Ashton signed two joint letters
at the meeting: one to Premier Christy Clark seeking funding support
for private landowners for forest fire mitigation and the other to
the Union of BC Municipalities seeking a change in how funds are
allocated under the Gas Tax Agreement.
Ongoing concerns that impact all member municipalities were also
discussed, including enforcement of lakeshore zoning regulations and
the RCMP policing agreement.
Inter-Municipal Services Advisory Board meetings are held quarterly
and alternate between municipalities. The four mayors represent more
than 80 per cent of the Okanagan’s population.
6.2 Enhanced Transportation Partnership Initiative - Ron Westlake - Director
Regional Services, City of Kelowna Ron Westlake provided an update of the
enhanced transportation partnership initiative including:
-The Province has announced an external review of BC Transit. Local governments
across the Province have expressed concern on how BC Transit is managed and lack
of local autonomy. The committee will be touring the province for staff and
elected officials input.
Regional Sustainable Transportation:
-Smart Transit Plan and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project started at the RDCO
-Local government plans tied to this - OCP, active transportation, marketing
with air quality and TDM program
-Proposal by BC Transit for a regional transit commission with the City of
Kelowna, West Kelowna and City of Vernon was not agreed to by the
municipalities.
-Municipal CAOs continue to meet on an enhanced transportation partnership
-Current regional system is administratively fragmented - not multi-modal,
issues range from funding to governance
-Daily transit mode share 87% by vehicle, 2% by transit
-Solutions are limited within current governance structure
-There is a need to develop an affordable long-term sustainable transportation
plan
Changes/Challenges in Transit Service Delivery highlighted:
-Timeline for BRT
-Smart Transit plan
-BRT capital plan (provincial funding in 2010 of $11 mil)
-Phase 1 of the BRT launched: Kelowna to UBC, Phase 2 & 3 (West Kelowna to
Kelowna and further infrastructure)
-project definition report 2011-2012 (BC Transit) $43mil in funding, approx
$37mil in new funding
-Conventional and Community Transit Costs reviewed - BC Transit costs have gone
up significantly and local governments have no control over these costs.
-Challenges with BC Transit reviewed - delivery of service is not responsive to
community needs. In the past, as provincial funding was increased, transit
ridership increased. As funding decreased, ridership decreased.
- Issues are common to other regions in BC.
-Kelowna Transit is the largest transportation system outside the lower
mainland.
Current governance model and proposed governance enhancement model outlined
- Progress to date
o Local input and review is underway with the municipal CAOs
o Input and acceptance in principle to be forwarded to local Councils for input
and decision
o MOU developed, CAOs to continue to work on inter-local agreements
o Presentation to panel reviewing BC Transit
Discussion:
-Local government needs to be fully involved.
-Is it possible to manage under a single contract?
-How would the new proposal be funded? Two sources of funding could be
considered: TDM program and local administration fund that RDCO contracts to the
City of Kelowna.
-Would like to see Lake Country and Peachland join TDM program.
-WFN and Peachland are involved through the RDCO and are currently looking at
having their own contract with BC Transit.
-The key is governance model.
-Briefing for the BC Transit panel is being prepared--will be circulated to CAOs
for review.
-KPMG has done an audit of BC Transit - administrative costs shifted throughout
the province.
-Regionally Significant Funds are being dedicated to buses and active
transportation models. Waiting input from municipal CAOs before RDCO can apply
for the funds - final deadline September 2012.
- Need a 'made in the Okanagan solution' amongst the members ie: regional
cooperation, prioritizing routes, handling local finances, we have capacity to
have local staff to route planning and local plans.
- Look at it from a long-term perspective. No taxation without representation.
Next Steps
-recommendation to local governments to approve non-binding MOU
-presentation panel reviewing BC Transit
-CAOs to continue to work on inter-local agreement(s)
OPHUS/GRAY
THAT the presentation on the Enhanced Transportation Partnership Initiative be
received
Complaints by residents and West Kelowna Council about the need for
more left turn lights along Highway 97 has not fallen on deaf ears.
A crash at Ross Rd. and Hwy 97 March 3 claimed the life of a West
Kelowna woman
Staff from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI)
stood before West Kelowna Council earlier this week with a strategy
for implementation of left turn signals along the highway corridor
which snakes its way through municipal and Westbank First Nation
lands.
MOTI ranked six intersections in descending priority levels:
1. Butt – left turn signal installation underway (working with WFN
and local developments)
2. Bartley (all directions)
3. Gellatly/Gossett (all directions)
4. Westlake/Hudson (side street)
5. Daimler (side street - optional)
6. Ross – no improvements suggested at this time
West Kelowna Mayor, Doug Findlater, says council didn't agree with
all of the recommendations put forward by MOTI, but adds some they
could probably accept.
"Not all of them are even listed. There are some uncontrolled ones
like Bering and Grizzly that we think they need to look at in some
way to make them safer as well."
Findlater says the ministry suggested a 50/50 cost sharing formula
with the municipality.
With a potential cost of, perhaps $50,000 per intersection coming
back to the municipality, Findalter says staff will parallel their
data with financial information and come up with their own list of
priority intersections.
"Our staff will prioritise these things and bring something back to
council. I'm confident we'll be able to get at least a couple of
them going."
Meantime, Findlater did caution residents that the ministry made it
clear not to expect traffic measures at all six intersections
identified.
"Their mandate is to move traffic," adds Findlater.
"If you had some form of advance turn signal at all six plus the
seventh already (Hudson and Westlake) and the eighth at Boucherie,
you would be slowing traffic down substantially."
Findlater says the left turn light recently installed at Hudson and
Westlake has been working very well.
The public outcry for better traffic measures is in response to
several serious and fatal crashes in recent years.
The most recent claimed the life of a West Kelowna woman on March 3
at Ross Road and Highway 97
*Note* This is only a snippet, please
click link above for entire content.
2.3 2012 Budget Review
Marilyn Rilkoff began a review of the 2012 budget. The question was raised
regarding FTE's (full-time equivalents) and whether the cost is applied to the
department they report to or the service. FTE costs are allocated to individual
services. If you participate in a service you pay a portion of FTE.
Westside Transit services
- WFN and Peachland costs down slightly. WFN and Peachland are looking at
obtaining their own operating agreements with BC Transit. Ellison Transit Service
- Can we increase the service or do away with it? It's of little value the way
the service is currently being provided.
HANSON/EDGSON
THAT staff be directed to contact BC Transit to provide options for increased
service to the Ellison transit service.
CARRIED
Work will begin this week on the final phase of repairs to the
Westside Road Interchange retaining walls.
The BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure announced on
Wednesday that Ledcor, the contractor for the Westside Road
Interchange project, is starting the process to attach the finishing
panels, and they anticipate repairs will be complete by mid-March.
The final phase of repairs to the Westside Rd Interchange are set to
begin.
The first phase of repair works at both the west and east abutments
is complete, and involved the preparation of a mounting surface for
the finishing panels.
Work included removing all the panels under the abutments on both
walls, preparing soil and placing shotcrete on the exposed face of
the soil to prevent weathering.
Ministry officials say the wall failure was a unique event, and the
retrofitting of the panels is a complex process. As a result, to
design a repair that ensures quality and durability required more
time than anticipated.
The ministry recognizes and thanks West Kelowna and area residents,
as well as other users of the highway, for being extremely patient
throughout this process, and they can rest assured that their safety
is the ministry's utmost concern.
On November 20, 2011, the facing panels of the west abutment
retaining wall at the Westside Road Interchange collapsed.
The Province engaged Buckland and Taylor Ltd., an
internationally-renowned bridge engineering firm, to investigate the
cause. Their testing of materials from the site has determined
embrittlement at the bends in certain steel reinforcement bars
connecting the concrete facing panels was a contributing factor in
the collapse.
The investigation is not over however, and research into the failure
is continuing. A detailed geotechnical analysis is still to come
along with further materials testing, analysis of soil settlement,
mapping of the failure areas and analysis of findings from taking
apart the opposite wall to learn about other factors that may have
contributed to the collapse.
Current traffic patterns will remain in place until further notice.
The ministry will continue to ensure that any traffic pattern
changes take into consideration hockey games and other community
events.
The Ministry of Transportation is expecting to know within the next
couple of months what caused a wall at the Westside Road Interchange
to collapse.
District Transportation Manager, Murray Tekano says they do know
there was a failure of a component that allowed the panels to come
loose with other factors being evaluated.
Tekano says repairs are entering the final stage and says they've
been going smoothly since the wall collapsed November 20th.
"The contractor is going to be constructing a new facing system,
which will replace the components that failed. It will basically be
attached to the shotcreted concrete material and form a new facing
for the wall."
Repairs should be complete by mid-March.
Tekano says drivers should be aware of periodic lane closures during
the final phase of repairs.
Repair work on the collapsed wall at the Westside Road Interchange
should be complete by mid-March.
Construction crews are entering the final phase of repairs,
attaching the finishing panels.
The first phase of repairs, which started shortly after the wall
collapsed on November 20 included preparing the mounting surface for
the panels and placing shotcrete on exposed surfaces.
An investigation into what caused the wall to collapse is still
ongoing.
This was a director item so nothing is mentioned in the
Highlights or the
Agenda
Board Meeting Minutes are not usually posted to
RDCO's website until after being adopted at the following Board
Meeting which will be February 9, 2012. If the minutes are
not posted here yet, check
RDCO's website.
Still no word from the province as to what caused a portion of the
Westside Road Interchange overpass to collapse.
Investigators survey the damage at the site of the retaining wall
collapse back in November.
Part of the retaining wall below the north side overpass collapsed
November 20, just three weeks after it opened.
The overpass itself has been closed since that date and traffic
re-routed while crews work on fixing the problem.
Speaking before West Kelowna council in mid December, Minister of
Transportation and Infrastructure, Blair Lekstrom, stated the
official cause should be known in a couple of weeks.
That was a month ago.
Ministry officials say we'll have to wait a while longer.
"This is a complex investigation involving testing of the materials
used, analysis of soil and settlement and findings from taking apart
the other wall," ministry officials stated in an email sent to
Castanet News Friday.
"The investigation is ongoing. It is important to not rush
professional analysis."
Following the collapse of the retaining wall, the ministry engaged
Buckland and Taylor Ltd., an internationally renowned bridge
engineering firm to investigate the cause.
"We have some preliminary findings from Buckland and Taylor and are
expecting an interim report shortly," officials stated.
"We expect to be able to share more soon."
Meantime, ministry officials also expect to provide a technical
update on the status of repairs sometime this week.
*Note* This is only a snippet, please
click link above for entire content
Quotes from agencies surveyed in 2011:
"Our clients require bus
tickets to attend ESL classes. This is crucial because without
English, they are unable to find work or communicate with others,
and are in danger of becoming isolated. Some come as refugees who
have no support system and no resources."
Kelowna Community Resources
"We put a limit on the tickets to 4
per person per month, and since there was a shortage in the summer,
we limited it to 2 per month. The tickets are given to persons
attending medical appointments who have no way to get home."
Canadian Mental Health Association
"Poverty limits options. More
and more people losing jobs, or facing a reduction in working hours,
means that others can't help out as much as they have in the past.
People have fewer "natural" supports and turn to social services. We
experienced an increase in women seeking bus passes and services
when the Drop-in Centre closed, and when the Women's Resource Centre
closed."
Elizabeth Fry Society
"Affordable rent in the Kelowna area tends
to impact our clients as they are looking in areas outside Kelowna,
such as Lake Country, West Kelowna and Peachland. Some services
(Living Positive and Salvation Army) have also moved to Rutland
recently."
NOW Canada
"Since 2009 the number of people accessing our Outreach
Ministry has doubled. We noticed an initial increase when the
Kelowna Drop-In Centre closed. This increase is also a result of
ongoing challenges to find affordable housing in Kelowna, cut-backs
in other services our clients previously accessed (Women's Resource
Centre), and the fact that levels of income assistance for
unemployed, under-employed and those with disabilities have not
increased while the cost of food, housing and fuel continue to rise.
Our clients live as far away as Peachland and Winfield/Lake Country
and we have issued bus tickets for people to travel as far away as
Vernon and Peachland for medical appointments and work."
First United Church
"We have more people in need every month. More
young and old people in need. I could easily use 100 tickets per
month, or bus passes for the seniors."
Lake Country Food Bank
"The tickets are for emergencies - I need
to get to work, I need to go look at a place to rent, I need to go
to the doctor, I need to get home (more for women at night), etc."
Kelowna's Gospel Mission
"We never seem to have enough to meet
client needs but summer is easier because clients are more able to
walk or bike in the warmer weather. Winters are more challenging
because clients often don't have appropriate clothing. We greatly
appreciate this resource and United Way always advocating for our
clients' needs. THANK YOU !!"
John Howard Society
6.1
Request from the United Way for an increase in the number of transit passes
Staff report dated January 4, 2012 provided a review of the transit passes which
have been provided to the United Way since 2001. The Kelowna Regional Transit
System has had a partnership with the United Way to provide transit assistance
for people experiencing poverty. Currently United Way receives 700 single ride
adult tickets each month for distribution to their participating agencies. The
agencies distribute to qualified individuals. In 2012 the United Way is
requesting an increase in tickets to 850 per month.
Harry Grossman, Executive
Director of the United Way and Avril Paice, Director of Community Investment,
provided a review of the program.
Keith Grayston addressed the committee
reviewing the partnership. Value of the tickets is about $20,655 per month but
the actual cost to the system is very minimal, perhaps nothing. Concern with a
program such as this is tickets are sold to various provincial ministries and
don't want to download to other governments.
United Way is left with the
decision of what agencies and amount of tickets each agency is provided.
It
was noted there is support for the day pass option in off peak hours and the
United Way will continue to work with City staff to review program.
Fare box technology does not currently have the ability to have time of usage
option.
FIELDING/EDGSON
THAT the Governance & Services Committee receive the report from the Director of
Financial Services, City of Kelowna dated February 4, 2012 and the United Way
report dated October 17, 2011 regarding United Way Transit Partnership and the
request for an increase in transit passes for 2012;
AND FURTHER THAT the Finance Directors of each local Kelowna Regional Transit
contract provide a memorandum to the Director of Financial Services, City of
Kelowna indicating their position on expanding the transit partnership with the
United Way by 150 transit tickets per month.
The Regional Board has agreed to ask each participating local
municipality in the Kelowna Regional Transit System whether they
support a request from the Central Okanagan United Way. The
organization is asking for 150 additional Kelowna Regional Transit
tickets each month. The United Way has been receiving 700 single
ride adult tickets each month that are distributed to participating
agencies in order to assist clients access essential services or
meet other emergency transportation needs. There’s minimal cost to
this successful program which has been in place since 2001.
Request for Highway 33 Safety Meeting
The Regional Board has agreed to ask for a meeting to discuss
traffic safety and enforcement concerns related to Highway 33
through the Central Okanagan East Electoral Area. Director Patty
Hanson says there have been a number of accidents along this section
of the highway and residents are concerned about speeding and
related safety issues. The Board Chair and area director will
request a meeting with representatives from the Kelowna Rural RCMP
and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to discuss the
concerns and possible options.
*Note* This is only a snippet, please
click link above for entire content
Agenda NO: 6.1
Mtg Date: Jan 13, 2012
REPORT TO REGIONAL BOARD
Date: January 4,2012
File: 1405·50
To: Chairman, Central Okanagan Regional District
From: Director, Financial Services
Subject: United Way Transit Partnership
Recommendation:
THAT the Regional Committee receive the report from the Director,
Financial Services, City of Kelowna, dated January 4, 2012 and the
United Way report dated October 17, 2011;
AND THAT the Committee request the Finance Directors of each local
Kelowna Regional Transit contract municipality to provide a
memorandum to the Director, Financial Services, City of Kelowna,
indicating their Council/Board's position on expanding the transit
partnership with the United Way by 150 transit tickets per month.
Purpose:
To request approval for expanding the transit assistance program
with the United Way.
Background:
Since 2001 the Kelowna Regional Transit system has had a partnership
with the United Way to provide transit assistance for people
experiencing poverty. The United Way currently receives 700 single
ride adult tickets each month for distribution to their
participating agencies. The agencies then distribute the tickets to
qualified individuals to help them access essential services or meet
other emergency transportation requirements, The United Way then
reports to the City of Kelowna on a quarterly basis to account for
tickets distributed.
The 700 tickets each
month would cost $17,010 annually if purchased by these
agencies or individuals. The additional 150 tickets per month being
requested would cost $3,645 annually if purchased for a total
program cost of $20,655, We can assume that many of these
individuals would not purchase tickets due to their financial
hardship so the revenue loss would be considerably less than that
number. Although we cannot be certain, there is also an assumption
that many of these trips are taken at off-peak times when the buses
are not at capacity.
Although the increase
of 150 tickets per month is a substantial increase the areas
being targeted for the additional tickets is mainly outside the City
of Kelowna central area (where most of the services and agencies are
headquartered) and this provides support to new clients that had
been missed previously, This increases the scope of the program and
reaches some of the areas that are not currently being served.
The
United Way is a valuable partner in the provision of transit
assistance to those that can not afford the service. Their
administration saves municipal resources in having to deal with
requests for assistance. A further side benefit of the program is
the introduction of transit service to people that may go on to
become regular customers in the future.
For these reasons, along
with the minimal cost impact of a very successful program, support
for this expansion is being recommended.
Considerations not
applicable to this report:
Internal Circulation:
Legal/Statutory Authority:
Financial/ Budgetary Considerations:
Personnel Implications:
Legal/Statutory Procedural Requirements:
Existing Policy:
External Agency / Public Comments:
Communications Comments:
Alternate Recommendation:
Submitted by:
K. Grayston, Director, Financial Services
Program Snapshot
• Currently, United Way distributes 700 bus tickets per month, or
8400 per year.
2011- 2012 Request from United Way
3. We further request consideration for an
increase in the number of tickets from 8400/year to a total of
10,200 tickets per year.
9.1
Rise and Report - Governance & Services Committee meeting of January 12, 2012
a) Request from the United Way for an increase in the number of transit passes
(All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
BAKER/FIELDING
THAT the Regional Board receive the report from the Director of Financial
Services, City of Kelowna dated February 4, 2012 and the United Way report dated
October 17, 2011 regarding United Way Transit Partnership and the request for an
increase in transit passes for 2012;
AND FURTHER THAT the Regional District approves the increase in transit passes
of 850 per month to the United Way.
CARRIED
===========
10. DIRECTORS
ITEMS
b) Safety Concerns on Hwy 33
Concern has been raised with regard to
the speed limits, traffic volume and number of accidents on Hwy33 through the
Joe Rich area. Director Hanson has asked that a meeting with the Ministry of
Transportation and RCMP be arranged to discuss speed limits, more signage, Big
White traffic, more representation from the RCMP, etc.
HANSON/BASRAN
THAT Chair Hobson and Director Hanson meet with the Ministry of Transportation
and RCMP to discuss concerns raised in regard to the speed limit on Hwy 33 (Joe
Rich area) and enforcement in an attempt to resolve issues raised by residents
of Joe Rich.
Central Okanagan school trustees are worried about the potential for
disaster when it comes to gravel trucks and children sharing the
same road.
School District 23 has asked the provincial government to intervene
in the operation of the Westcan Gravel Pit on Westside Road.
The board, in a letter to the Ministry of Energy and Mines, is
asking that gravel trucks be banned from Westside Road in the
mornings and afternoons when school kids and school buses are using
Westside Road.
Kelowna Regional Transit Fare Increase
On Sunday, Jan.
1, 2012, Kelowna Regional Transit cash fares will increase 25 cents
to $2.25. Monthly passes and sheets of 10 tickets will also be
affected by the increase.
“It has been more than four years since the last fare increase,”
says Ron Westlake, City of Kelowna Director of Regional Services.
“These regular transit fare increases are necessary to cover
increasing operating and fuel costs as well as improvements to
service.”
Since the last fare increase in 2007, transit service hours have
increased by 21 per cent and 22 buses have been added. This includes
introduction of the #97 Express Rapid Bus from downtown to UBC
Okanagan (UBCO), #4 from Pandosy to UBCO and #6 Glenmore to UBCO,
plus increased service frequencies and duration on many other
routes.
The Jan. 1 transit fare increase is in line with fares in
similar-sized communities, such as Kamloops, Nanaimo ($2.25 for
single trip cash fares) and Victoria ($2.50).
New Kelowna Regional Transit fares as of Jan. 1, 2012:
Cash Fare – Adult $2.25
Cash Fare – Senior and student (to Grade 12) $2
Ticket (sheet of 10) – Adult $20.25
Ticket (sheet of 10) – Senior and student (to grade 12) $18
Monthly pass – Adult $60
Monthly pass – Senior $42
Monthly pass – College $48
Monthly pass – Student (to Grade 12) $38
“If you have an existing transit ticket, you can continue to use
them in the New Year,” says Westlake. “Just supplement your ticket
with 25 cents at the fare box when you board each bus.”
Notices regarding the fare increase have been posted on Kelowna
Regional Transit buses. The Riders Guide will not be revised at this
time, as there are no changes to routes or schedules.
Kelowna Regional Transit is a partnership between the City of
Kelowna, BC Transit, Districts of West Kelowna, Peachland and Lake
Country, Westbank First Nation and the Regional District of Central
Okanagan.
Before his constituents get too busy with the holidays,
Westside-Kelowna MLA Ben Stewart hosted a couple open houses to meet
with the people of his riding, hear their concerns and answer
questions.
Tuesday's open house, held at the Kelowna Senior Citizens Society
Club 17, was directed at the members of Stewart's constituency who
live east of the bridge.
"I want to be accessible to everybody. We had one on the Westside
last week, at the Lions Hall. The one this week is in downtown
Kelowna," said Stewart.
"I think a lot of people in the downtown area of my riding don't
realize that the riding stretches from the lake all the way out to
Spall Road, from Knox Mountain down to the hospital."
Although the open house was held in Kelowna, Stewart said a number
of people came armed with their concerns about Westside Road.
"There is a big delegation here from Westside Road. A lot of them
either have property out there and live downtown or they have driven
over here. The big question in everybody's mind is road and safety
improvements."
Stewart said he is well aware of the concern and has already been
presenting the case to Minister of Transportation and
Infrastructure, Blair Lekstrom.
"On Tuesday, Minister Lekstrom (and I) physically drove the road
from Vernon right through to the Westside. We had the chance to go
with two key people in the ministry that are responsible for this
area: Murray Tekano and Norm Parkes."
Stewart said that the group examined the road safety improvements
that have already started, the resurfacing issues and the width of
the road.
"The ministry is aware that the road is too narrow in some cases.
I'd like to see some cement safety improvements or barricades put
up, but they can't put them on unless they widen the road."
According to Stewart, in the past, the province has stated that the
road has too low an amount of traffic to justify doing significant
improvements; however, he is optimistic that Tekano's staff and
resources in the ministry will make it a priority.
“Road safety comes first on my mind; we need to improve that.”
It will be months before the repairs to the retaining walls at the
Westside Road Interchange are completed and the overpass is
re-opened to traffic.
Kevin Baskin, Chief Bridge Engineer for the B.C. Ministry of
Transportation and Infrastructure, visited the site on Friday and
provided an engineering update on the investigation into the
retaining wall collapse and subsequent repairs. Those investigations
have shown problems on both sides of the overpass.
The WFN's Evelyn Lube, B.C. Ministry of Transportation Chief Bridge
Engineer Kevin Baskin and Ministry Transportation Manager Murray
Tekano were on hand Friday to provide an update on repairs to the
Westside Road Interchange.
"Safety continues to be our top priority at the bridge," says
Baskin. "Monitoring of the bridge abutments continues to show no
movement. Temporary supports are also in place as an additional
safety precaution. The bridge remains safe."
However, Baskin did admit that this is the first time ever anywhere
in North America that this particular retaining wall system has
failed in this manner.
"Because of this anomaly, engineers are taking a thorough and
methodical approach to our investigations. We
need to pinpoint a cause and we need to get it right."
To that end, the ministry has retained a world renowned bridge
design firm to carry out an investigation of the design failure.
"At this point the investigation is on going
and no conclusion on the cause of the failure has been reached,"
says Baskin.
Experts are focusing on the failure observed in the soil
reinforcement bars where they are bent to hook into the connection
at the back of the panels.
Adding to the delay is the fact that during their investigation,
engineers found a similar defect in the wall at the east abutment of
the bridge. Repairs on the east abutment will start once the work on
the west abutment is finished sometime in January, 2012. Those
repairs are expected to take months to complete.
The contractor, Ledcor, will repair and bear the cost for the
affected retaining walls on both sides of the Interchange, and is
working around the clock to complete the repairs as quickly as
possible.
Motorists on Highway 97 can expect single-lane closures in both
directions under the Westside Road overpass nightly between 8 p.m.
and 5 a.m. until further notice.
"That will be consistent throughout these repairs," says the
Ministry's District Transportation Manager, Murray Tekano. "During
the day it will be fully opened."
In consultation with community leaders, the ministry will ensure
that the contractor takes into consideration hockey games and
Christmas events when planning any traffic pattern changes.
The overall value of the Westside Road Interchange project is $41.8
million, with funding from the provincial and federal governments.
Baskin could not provide an estimate of the cost of repairs.
The project opened to traffic on Oct. 29, 2011. The Ministry is
reluctant to offer any possible date for when it will re-open.
As for the work on the Nancee Road underpass, WFN Project
Spokesperson Evelyne Lube says that work will continue.
"The contractor (Ledcor) is doing what they can to make up the time.
We're very focused on getting this work done, understanding that the
work they would have been doing is going to be delayed while these
repairs are happening. The contractor's committed to Westbank First
Nation to make up as much time as they possibly can. We're still
anticipating that we'll have the underpass open in the fall of
2012."
For Immediate Release
2011TRAN0101-001521
Nov. 22, 2011
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Two lanes will open in each direction on Highway 97
WEST KELOWNA – Highway 97 at Westside Road will reopen to two lanes
of traffic in each direction under the Westside Road structure at 2
a.m. Wednesday, in advance of the morning commute.
Motorists should plan on additional time for their commute and are
reminded that a construction speed zone is in effect.
The Westside Road underpass structure remains closed until further
notice. Local traffic is encouraged to use alternate routes to
access Highway 97.
Please watch for crews and equipment working in the area and obey
all traffic signage and flag persons.
Check DriveBC for updates and traffic advisories at:
www.drivebc.ca
Westside Road — West Kelowna to
Highway 97 North of Vernon
Project Scope
•Approximately 65 km along the west side of Okanagan Lake from West
Kelowna to Highway 97 near O'Keefe Ranch.
•The annual average daily traffic is approximately 1000 vehicles per
day.
•Summer average daily traffic south of Bear Creek Provincial Park is
approximately 2500 vehicles per day.
•Ongoing community group input from Westside Road Improvement
Committee and Wilson Landing Committee.
•Program of minor rehabilitation projects undertaken to surface
condition and alignment issues.
•Varying levels of investment - over $12.9 million between 2000 and
2010.
Phase 1 - West Kelowna to La Casa
Work Completed
•Survey completed using LiDAR technology.
•Preliminary assessment of alignment and cross sections
issues - 12 segments.
•Engineering review of slow moving vehicle impacts on
traffic operation.
Work Underway
•Engineering design of slow vehicle pullouts and updated
sign installations.
Work Planned
•Geotechnical, archaeological and environmental
assessment and consultation.
•Establish priorities for future improvements.
Phase 2 - La Casa to
Highway 97
Work Completed
•Survey completed using LiDAR side scanning radar
technology.
Work Planned
•Preliminary assessment of alignment and cross-section
issues - commencing summer 2011.
•Preliminary impacts and risk assessment.
•Engage communities for feedback.
•Establish priorities for future improvements.
WEST KELOWNA – A section of concrete facing wall on the Westside
Road Interchange gave way on Sunday morning, spilling dirt fill onto
one of the southbound lanes of Highway 97 underneath the overpass.
The Westside Road Interchange is temporarily closed to traffic to
allow for an engineering assessment, which is underway. Motorists
can expect the closure to remain in place overnight.
While the assessment and clean-up takes place, traffic southbound on
Highway 97 is diverted up the southbound ramp, north on Westside
Road, on to Nancee Way and then back to Highway 97.
Detours are in effect for local traffic, using either the Campbell
Road Interchange or Hudson Road and Boucherie Road. Motorists should
follow the directions of traffic control personnel.
Construction of the Westside Road Interchange began in 2009 and the
overpass opened to traffic on October 29, 2011. The works are being
managed by the Westbank First Nation and delivered by Ledcor
Construction.
The cause of the wall damage is unclear. Structural engineers from
Urban Systems, the owner’s engineer, are thoroughly assessing the
wall area and the structure overall to determine the appropriate
course of action. The ministry’s engineering experts will also
assess the structure.
The overall value of the Westside Road Interchange project is $41.8
million, with funding from the provincial and federal governments.
British Columbia invested $30.8 million, with a federal contribution
of $11 million from the Building Canada Fund.
Contact:
Jeff Knight
Government Communications and Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 480-9339
This is a Freedom of Information Request we initiated through
Information Access
Re: Request for Access to Records
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA)
I am writing further to your request received by the Ministry of
Transportation and Infrastructure. Your request is for:
Development Cost charges, payments,
agreements, monies, etc. that were paid by Westbank First Nations (WFN)
toward payment to design, improve and build the Westside Road
Interchange project in West Kelowna BC or towards design,
improvement or building other highways or other roads in West
Kelowna due to commercial development on WFN lands during the period
2009 [October 11, 2011].
Thank you for your clarification regarding the records you
requested delineating what WFN has paid or contributed towards the
Westside Road Interchange Project.
As the hiring and payment of services for the delivery of the
Westside Road Interchange is within the control of the WFN, the
ministry is not party to payments for services rendered and does not
have the requested records on file. A thorough search was conducted
that confirmed WFN has not
provided the ministry with third party payment records.
As such, no such records were located in response to your request.
Your file is now closed.
Does this mean that WFN has free reign of $41 million the Federal and Provincial
Government paid for the Westside Road Overpass?
Update: The Ministry of
Transportation and Infrastructure has issued a press release
regarding the collapse of a section of concrete facing wall on the
Westside Road Interchange.
Jeff Knight, of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure,
says the Westside Road Interchange is temporarily closed to traffic
to allow for an engineering assessment, which is underway.
"While the assessment and clean-up takes place, traffic southbound
on Highway 97 is being diverted up the southbound ramp, then north
on Westside Road, on to Nancee Way and then back to Highway 97. "
Detours are in effect for local traffic, using either the Campbell
Road Interchange or Hudson Road and Boucherie Road.
Drivers can expect the closure to remain in place overnight.
Knight says the cause of the wall damage is unclear.
"Structural engineers from Urban Systems, the owner's engineer, are
thoroughly assessing the wall area and the structure overall to
determine the appropriate course of action.
The ministry's will also have engineering experts assessing the
structure.
Castanet's Trevor Rockliffe gets up close to the partially collapsed
retaining wall along the new West Kelowna overpass.
Overpass collapses Castanet.net - by Contributed - Story: 67527 - Nov
20, 2011 / 9:44 am
A retaining wall along the north west side of the new West Kelowna
overpass collapsed, Sunday morning.
Photo: Trevor Rockliffe
Shoring from the side of the structure has slid down onto the road,
blocking a portion of highway 97.
Murray Tekano, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is on
scene assessing the damage of the collapse.
"Traffic is moving in both directions so we're happy about that, but
this part of the highway is closed and we do not know for how long."
Fire crews and RCMP are on scene to reroute traffic around the
overpass. Traffic is heavily backed up along Highway 97 entering
West Kelowna.
One commuter stuck in the backed up traffic says, "this sucks,
that's good taxpayer money going to waste."
Others commuters complained about the wait to get across the bridge.
The cause of the collapse is unknown but Tekano says the structure
doesn't appear be impacted, other than the one side of the retaining
wall. No one was injured in this incident.
Sunday morning, a retaining wall along the new West Kelowna overpass
collapsed.
With the road blocked, traffic became heavily backed up as it was
redirected by RCMP around the overpass.
Murray Tekano, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure was on
scene soon after the collapse. Tekano could not explain why the
collapse happened, but claimed the structure did not appear to be
impacted, other than the one side of the retaining wall.
Many commuters stuck in the backed up traffic were outraged that the
new structure had collapsed less than month after opening.
Photo: Trevor Rockliffe
The collapsed retaining wall of the new overpass
Construction on the Westside Road Interchange project began in
October, 2010.
While expected to be complete by September of this year, completion
was delayed until it officially opened October 29.
At a cost of $41 million, it was tied into the new William R.
Bennett Bridge which open in the summer of 2008.
The provincial government contributed $30 million while the federal
government kicked in the other $11 million.
Westbank First Nation provided land for the project.
An agreement to construct the interchange at Westside Road was
signed by the province and Westbank First Nation in September of
2009.
Under the agreement, WFN would deliver the new interchange,
improvements to supporting road and a new underpass at Spland Road
through qualified contractors.
Similar to the Campbell Road Interchange delivered through WFN, the
project would be turned over to the province once complete.
A $12.9 million major works contract was awarded to Ledcor CMI Ltd.
Ledcor was responsible for construction of the new interchange at
Westside Road and Highway 97, and will be responsible for an
underpass at Nancee Way and a new roundabout at the junction of
Sneena and Westside roads.
Ledcor CMI Ltd. was awarded a contract valued at
$12,978,511.64 for the construction of supporting band
roads and the construction of the interchange. The project is
expected to start July 1, 2010 and end June 1, 2012.
Questions about this project should be directed to Helen Evans,
Project Manager, at 250-712-3646.
BEWARE OF DEEP HOLES IN WESTSIDE ROAD
Below is the story of an accident we had driving off the edge of
Westside Road November 10, 2011
Click any of the photos below for a
larger picture.
This is where our Westside Road story
begins.
The tape measure shows a
depth of Westside Road missing approx. 6 or 7 inches deep.
This stretch of Westside Road is not far from the south side of La
Casa along that long straight stretch. Watch for oncoming cars
and try and stay out of this hole. There is no room for error
here. If you have a wide vehicle, be very careful. There
is quite a chunk of pavement missing, making the lane fairly narrow.
The hole in Westside Road shown in the photos above made this dent
in the rim when we hit it.
Not sure if the tire is alright until we install it on a new rim to
see if it holds air.
If you have low profile tires, this hole could create a problem for
you like it did for us.
Luckily we left early and could still make our appointment almost on
time.
We have driven thousand
and thousands of miles and never before has this ever happened to us.
We did hit a pot hole one time trying to pass a gravel
truck when we lived at the Coast that threw our car around, but we
didn't get a bent rim or flat tire out of it that time. Sure
made our car go from one side of the road to the other though.
Luckily we didn't get into an accident that time. These
potholes could be one reason how some people end up in Okanagan
Lake.. who knows.
The first vehicle to stop and offer help was a brown colored
vehicle. The male driver told us that his girlfriend just did
the same thing (hit a pot hole getting a flat tire) not too long
before we had our accident. He helped by staying with us to
make sure we could loosen the lug nuts and then he left because he
was in a hurry and we felt we could change the tire as long as the
lug nuts were not rusted on.
The donut needed air we found out after we got the spare donut on
and there was only 15 lbs of air in it. Its a good idea to
check the air in your donut before winter sets in so you don't have
to freeze to death putting air in on the side of the road somewhere
like we did. That's if you happen to have an air compressor
with you. Luckily winter hadn't set in yet and it wasn't
freezing this day. We bought our little air compressor at
Canadian Tire for under $15, which if you live out Westside Road is
well worth the money! Ours plugs into the cigarette lighter.
By looking at the pavement you can see in this photo that someone
must have scraped bottom. There are lines dug into the
pavement.
As it so happened we were very lucky because the Area Manager Erik
Lachmuth happened to be driving by and saw us. He pulled over
behind our car and put his flashing beacon on. Then he helped
by holding the measuring tape while we took photos and driving us
home to get the battery operated air compressor so we could pump the
donut up, and then he drove us back to the scene.
That would be
Erik holding the tape measure in the photo above. He was a
great help... thanks a lot Erik!!! We really appreciate that
you could help us out by giving us a ride so we could make our
appointment almost on time!! Good thing we left early.
Did you happen to notice the two
hubcaps in the photo above .. the one Toyota hubcap was sitting
right beside Westside Road where we stopped after hitting the hole,
and on the same side of the road as the hole, and the other Mazda
hubcap was across on the other side of Westside Road almost directly
across the road from the other hubcap and where we stopped.
Do you have a Toyota or Mazda missing its hubcap?
Did you get a flat tire hitting a hole on Westside Road, please
let us know and we
will start a count here of all the people getting flat tires.
We noticed this hole wasn't the only one in the area and since there
were two hub caps laying there, we must not have been the only one
that hit that hole.
We wonder if anyone else got a flat there too?
We left the hubcaps there just as they are sitting in the photo so
if you want to find them look on the right side of Westside Road
heading toward Kelowna not far past La Casa on that long straight
stretch.
It was kind of funny because just before we were all
changed up and ready to leave, a white pickup stopped to ask if we
needed any help. We explained what happened and that we were
ready to start driving again. It was nice that so many caring
people stopped to help. Thanks everyone. We drove off
and noticed the white pickup was right behind us. We had to
turn around so pulled off at the next spot, and the white pickup
pulled over too. He said you forgot your hub cap. We had
to tell him that no, those two hubcaps were someone else's.
The area manager told us to
email him and he would email us back with a form to fill out which we could submit to the Ministry of
Transportation asking for payment for damages to the bent rim.
If you find yourself with damage due to a hole in
the road that you hit, take out your cell phone or camera and a
measuring tape to measure the depth of the hole so you can submit it to the
Ministry. Then email Erik and let him know so he can email you
a form to fill out. It would probably be a good idea to keep a
measuring tape in your glove box along with your tire pressure gauge
and sharp knife to cut a stuck seatbelt in case you are ever in an
accident and your car is on fire.
There is no hot pavement being produced anymore this
year we were told by a paving company we called a day or so before
our accident happened and that the pavement processing company has
shut down for winter now. Erik said maybe they can find some
cold patch pavement? We said either that or some gravel!
050 - Transportation Demand Management (Page 131): International Car Free Day:
Over 2,000 people attended the event. Free transit tickets were made available
on i-go.ca to drive people to the event. Active transportation ambassadors
talked to residents about transportation and distributed fliers with cycling,
walking, carpool and transit information. Event activities included: stationary
bike race, yoga, aerobics, rock climbing and more. Carpool.ca: Carpool week set
for October 24 - 28, 2011. Prize sponsorship from ICBC is available for
registrants at carpool.ca. Transit Trip Planning Project: Google maps transit
planner on-line and accessible. The Soft-launch is complete. Mass communication
planned for 2012. Transit Advertising Franchise: Terms of new contract agreed
upon. Program is currently awaiting completion of purchasing review. Community
Pass: Currently awaiting final report presentation from UBCO. U-Pass Initiative:
UBCO: UPASS reaffirmation/fare increase referendum set for Nov. 18/11.
Communications plan completed and print materials underway. Okanagan College:
The August UPASS Workshop has been completed. Meeting with newly elected student
representatives is to occur. Kelowna General Hospital TDM Plan: Initial best
practices review and survey data completed. UBCO class sponsorship is in place.
083 - Westside Transit Services (Page 132): A general increase in transit fares
and passes for 2012 has been approved by the Regional Board. Cash fares for
convention transit and handi-DART users rise January 1 by 25 cents while monthly
passes will increase 12% for an adult pass. This would be the first increase
since September 2007. A minimum fare recovery policy of 30% for Conventional
Transit is also supported by the Board. Peachland and Westbank First Nation are
examining the possibility of contracting directly with BC Transit for service.
084 - Handi-Dart Transit (Westbank First Nation) (Page 133): A general increase
in transit fares and passes for 2012 has been approved by the Regional Board.
Cash fares for convention transit and handiDART users rise January 1 by 25 cents
while monthly passes will increase 12% for an adult pass. This would be the
first increase since September 2007. A minimum fare recovery policy of 10% for
Conventional Transit is also supported by the Board.
November 10, 2011 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance
and Services Committee Meeting Minutes
Governance and Services
Committee Minutes are not usually posted until after being adopted at the
following meeting. If the minutes are not posted here yet, you can check
RDCO's website and see if they are posted there yet.
For information about the West Kelowna Rose Valley crown land
swap of 700 acres the Provincial Government wants to give away to WFN in
exchange for 8 acres of WFN land to build the Westside Road interchange and for
the Bennett Bridge please see okanaganlakebc.ca
WFN webpage.
The District of West Kelowna has had a Freedom of Information
Request put on hold -- yet again.
The municipality is trying to get information and documents relating
to the controversial land exchange between the province and Westbank
First Nation.
According to West Kelowna, that request has been delayed for a
second time.
In a news release issued Friday, West Kelowna says it received word
from the Ministry of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government
November 1 stating its request for records pertaining to the land
exchange would be delayed until March 12, 2012.
This is the second time an extension has been granted.
The original request through the Freedom of Information and
Protection of Privacy Act was received by the Ministry of
Transportation and Infrastructure on July 22, 2011.
They were informed in mid September the government would not be able
to respond to the request within the 30 business days as defined by
the Act because of the large volume of records involved.
The deadline was extended to October 31.
That timeline has again been extended to march of next year, again
because of the large volume and the requirement to consult with a
public body and/or third party.
West Kelowna Council has raised a number of concerns regarding the
government's commitment to turn over a 698 parcel of Crown land at
the north and east side of the Rose Valley Reservoir in exchange for
eight acres of reserve lands being used for highway projects between
the bridge and Westside Road.
ORDER IN COUNCIL 1458
Ministry Responsible: TRANSPORTATION AND HIGHWAYS
Statutory Authority: Highway
Reference No. 335B - 3rd Street, 4th Street, 10th Avenue, 13th
Street, 13th Avenue and Westside Road be
classified as Secondary Highway.
The first major phase of a $41
million transportation improvement project was completed on
time and on budget.
Westbank First Nation celebrated the milestone of completing the
Westside Road Interchange on
Saturday morning.
Workers and contractors responsible for the development of the
interchange were thanked at the celebration. A smudging ceremony
also took place prior to the event.
By 12 p.m., the interchange was fully operational.
"It feels great," said Evelyn Lube, head of communications for the
project.
"We had a few challenges in the project. Dealing with the traffic is
a big challenge: There are 50,000
vehicles that use Highway 97 (everyday).
"For the contractor to be able to get the work done, keep people
safe, keep traffic moving, keep the project on budget and on
schedule, that's a real accomplishment."
The entire Westside Road Interchange Project is now 65 per cent
complete. The next phase will focus on developing an underpass at
Nancee Way.
"The Nancee Way underpass is an
important part for Westbank First Nation. It (will) help to provide
access to the commercial areas that Westbank First Nation has
planned on the other side of the highway. Having an alternate access
to the other side of the highway is going to be really important."
Work on that underpass will begin immediately.
"We'll be decommissioning the temporary intersection that was
installed at Nancee Way. So the first set of lights that you see
when you leave Kelowna and get on the bridge will be at the
Boucherie Road intersection," said Lube.
The Nancee Way underpass
is set to be completed in the summer of 2012.
Westbank First Nation Chief Robert Louie said that completion of the
Westside Road Interchange was a "very important milestone."
"When the (underpass) at Nancee Way is
complete, we'll be turning the interchange, in its complete form,
over to the province," said Louie.
"Until then it's our responsibility to ensure that the project is
completed on time and on budget with the least possible impact to
the highway users."
Lube urged drivers to use caution when using the new interchange.
"There still is a 60 km/h speed zone so people
still need to slow down and watch for signs. There are a lot of new
signs up here, it's a new area. We just want everybody to use
caution and obey the traffic control people," said Lube.
INFORMATION BULLETIN
2011TRAN0090-001377
Oct. 28, 2011
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Westbank First Nation
WEST KELOWNA – The Westside Road Interchange project will reach an
important milestone on Saturday, with the opening of the interchange
structure to vehicle traffic and the deactivation of the traffic
signals on Highway 97 at Nancee Way.
The interchange is scheduled to open and be fully operational early
Saturday afternoon.
The Westside Road Interchange project is 65 per cent complete.
Preliminary work is underway for the construction of a highway
overpass at Nancee Way, which will require a realignment of a
portion of Highway 97 and detours of Nancee Way traffic until
project completion in summer 2012.
Motorists are reminded that construction speed zones remain in
effect throughout the project site. Motorists can also expect some
evening lane closures over the next two weeks while the highway
realignment is completed.
The overall value of the Westside Road Interchange project is $41
million, with funding from the provincial and federal governments.
British Columbia is investing $30 million, with a federal
contribution of $11 million from the Building Canada Fund.
The project is being delivered by the Westbank First Nation and
remains on time and on budget.
The new Westside Road Interchange will add to other significant
improvements on the Highway 97 corridor to and through West Kelowna.
The $141-million W.R. Bennett Bridge and adjacent Campbell Road
Interchange opened to traffic in May 2008.
As construction continues, DriveBC will have details of traffic
pattern changes at:
www.drivebc.ca
For a graphic of traffic pattern changes through the construction
site, please visit:
District of West Kelowna
Mr. Gary O'Rourke, P. Eng.,
District of West Kelowna
2760 Cameron Rd.,
Kelowna BC
September 26, 2011
The proposed WFN land swap including lands at the North end of Rose Valley
Reservoir raises several concerns regarding the integrity of Rose Valley
Reservoir as a water supply. This reservoir is a terminal reservoir, meaning
that the distribution system commences at the reservoir and there is no further
opportunity for natural disinfection after water leaves the reservoir. Terminal
reservoirs are few in the Okanagan and need special care.
First, Rose Valley Reservoir has demonstrated a high sensitivity to nutrient
enrichment over the past 30 years of study. It is
vulnerable to cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms that can compromise water
safety. The Lakeview system team worked constantly to limit nutrient
inputs and to manage the reservoir to avoid these blooms. Their efforts include:
managing watershed impacts, managing RVR water levels, weekly monitoring and
treatment of impending algae blooms, aeration and siphoning bottom water.
Use of lands within the watershed for development would impact Rose Valley
Reservoir by landscape nutrients, stormwater and possibly package sewage
treatment plant discharges. Development along the reservoir shoreline would
alter nutrient exchange with the sediments.
Second, land development for residential or commercial use greatly increases the
risk of contaminants and pathogens entering the reservoir via stormwater,
subsurface inflow and groundwater. In 2010 drogue trials, water at 5 m depths
travelled at an average of 132 m/hour and water at 10m depth travelled at an
average of 150 m/hr with a strong wind. These average speeds tell us that water
can travel from one end of the reservoir to the other within 16 hours. Any
contaminants entering the reservoir can spread in that time.
Based on 30 years of study on Rose Valley Reservoir, it is my opinion that any
development within the immediate watershed of Rose Valley Reservoir would
compromise its use as a domestic water supply and would increase the likelihood
of requiring complex water treatment capable of dealing with cyanobacteria
blooms. The cost of treatment inevitably rises as source water quality declines.
The longer we can defer constructing a water treatment plant, the more the
available technologies can develop.
9.1 Request from the District of West Kelowna - Letter from Larratt Aquatic
Consulting Ltd.
The District of West Kelowna requested that the letter from Larratt Aquatic
to the District of West Kelowna (DWK) regarding the proposed WFN land swap be
circulated for the region's information. It was noted the letter was also
presented to the OBWB and DWK Council.
FINDLATER/HODGE
THAT the Governance & Services Committee receive for information the letter to
the District of West Kelowna from Larratt Aquatic regarding the proposed WFN
land swap.
North Westside Road Fire Chief called to let everyone know that there was some
confusion and that
Westside Road will be closed all day
today Sept 6, 2011 due to the Bear Creek Wildfire.
For more info on the Bear Creek Wildfire see our
News page
$41 Million spent for WFN shopping
center? Do you feel MLA Ben Stewart may be a liar about the
Westside Road interchange being built for a growing population up
Westside Road, cause we do?
2011 Legislative Session: Third Session, 39th
Parliament
HANSARD
Debates of the Legislative Assembly
(hansard)
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Morning Sitting
Hon. B. Stewart: Welcome to all the students that are here today.
On the transportation front, a lot of people remember the days of
being stuck in their cars on the old double-lane bridge that we had
crossing Lake Okanagan waiting for hours sometimes to get across in
the summertime.
One of the bottlenecks was a major intersection just above the new
W.R. Bennett Bridge, but it's going through a metamorphic change.
There's a $41 million upgrade at Westside Road, and that change is
really going to help open up some of the things that are happening
both on First Nation lands under the skilful leadership of Chief
Robert Louie but also the fact that
we have an increasing and growing population moving up Westside Road.
Last September we announced rapid bus in the Central Okanagan. It
has begun operation. This is an excellent addition, and it has
changed exactly the way that our transit system functions in the
Okanagan with a spine running from UBCO down to downtown Kelowna and
soon to cross Lake Okanagan and come into the district of West
Kelowna. It is an excellent example of how rapid bus can work in
communities to reduce congestion and be able to reduce CO2s as well.
I'm looking forward to this next phase of rapid bus.
[1055]
This was made possible through a joint federal and provincial
contribution of $43 million as well as contributions from both the
city of Kelowna and the district of West Kelowna. This is an
excellent example of where the communities have come together to
work collectively on a common problem. I look forward to the day
when rapid bus spans from Vernon to Penticton.
There hasn't been much for real estate sales up Westside Road for
a couple years now from what
George Yamada Royal Lepage Real Estate agent told
okanaganlakebc.ca. You can see a good proportion of
properties for sale on
George's website. There are still a good proportion of
undeveloped lots at La Casa, Valley of the Sun, Upper Fintry, all
the way to Westshore Estates October 2011. These undeveloped lots have been sitting undeveloped for years.
Now that the price of gas has risen so much, the interchange
gives poor incentive to move to an area 45 minutes to
town for some.
Building stats are way down in the Central Okanagan, enough that
the building inspection dept at the Regional District of Central
Okanagan is considering restructuring the building inspection dept.
Jan - Dec 2010 there were 77
building permits issued in Central Okanagan West.
In the entire Regional District of Central Okanagan
there were 48 single family dwellings built, 38
residential additions and access and 32 permits were for
garages and carports.
Jan - Dec 2009 there were 67
building permits issued in Central Okanagan West
and out of those 67 permits, 22 were for single family
dwellings and 25 were for residential additions and
access
Jan - Dec 2008 there were 120
building permits issued in Central Okanagan West
and out of those 120 permits, 72 were for single family
dwellings and 22 were for additions and access.
The population along Westside Road hasn't increased much in the
last few years, and not enough to spend $41 million on.
So who did Westside-Coquihalla MLA Ben Stewart really spend the
money on? Wasn't the population of Westside Road was it?
Most likely the money was spent to help the new WFN Shopping
District and proposed WFN gravel pits along Westside Road in our opinion. As if our MLA would spend $41 million
for Westside Road residents .. what a crock! Westside Road doesn't have
a shoulder in some spots and the Ministry of Transportation was
considering adding pullouts, not shoulders or passing lanes to
Westside Road, but
nothing has been accomplished yet October 2011.
Why would the Westside Road
interchange be a priority over fixing Westside Road itself, since
there are no shoulders in some sections on Westside Road, if the
Westside Road interchange was built for a growing population up
Westside Road?
Westside Road is only a portion of the entire Central Okanagan
West area which includes Trepanier next to the Coquihalla and Brent
Road in Peachland, plus WFN band reserves.
If your a Westsider, have you ever been caught in a bottleneck on
Westside Road, or has it been on the highway itself?
How much money did the WFN
Shopping District as a development contribute to road improvements to
accommodate shoppers?
click stats to see a larger copy
2008 - 2010 there have been 11 new additional properties added to
garbage services in the entire Central Okanagan West area according
to the stats above that we received from the Regional District of
Central Okanagan.
We feel the Westside Road
interchange may have been built for West Kelowna residents going to
Kelowna and all the gravel pits active and proposed along Westside
Road, which Westside Road residents vehemently oppose.
There are at least three gravel pits either approved or awaiting
approval. There is Burnco Pit at Bear Creek that is active, as
well as, Okanagan Aggregates proposed gravel pit immediately south
of La Casa Resort that hasn't started yet, and maybe another gravel
pit at Traders Cove that the WFN probably want to start through
acquiring land through the WFN land swap deal with the Province over
Rose Valley reservoir and additional lands of approx. 800 acres in
trade for 8 acres from WFN to build the Westside Road interchange.
Please see the North
Westside Road Ratepayers letter below showing that the
Ratepayers are against the gravel pit next to La Casa Resort of 500
cottages.
We sent a Freedom of
Information request to RDCO to find out if WFN paid anything towards
the Westside Road Interchange. RDCO replied saying
they don't have that information. We then filled out a
Freedom of Information request on the
open government website to ask the Ministry of Transportation.
Re: Request for Access to Records
Freedom of Information and
Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA)
I am writing further to your
request received by the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure. Your request is for:
Development Cost charges,
payments, agreements, monies, etc. that were paid by Westbank First
Nations (WFN) toward payment to design, improve and build the
Westside Road Interchange project in West Kelowna BC or towards
design, improvement or building other highways or other roads in
West Kelowna due to commercial development on WFN lands during the
period 2009 [October II, 2011].
Thank you for your clarification
regarding the records you requested delineating what WFN has paid or
contributed towards the Westside Road Interchange Project. As the
hiring and payment of services for the delivery of the Westside Road
Interchange is within the control of the WFN, the ministry is not
party to payments for services rendered and does not have the
requested
records on file. A thorough
search was conducted that confirmed WFN has not provided the
ministry with third party payment records. As such, no such
records were located in response to your request. Your file is now
closed.
Mr. Peter Lishman
Service Centre Manager, NRO
441 Columbia Street
Kamloops, B.C. V2C 2T3
Re: Westbank First Nations /Canadian
Aggregates (WFN/CAI) Proposed Gravel Pit on Westside Road at
Fintry - Application No. 3412092
We understand you will be making the decision with respect
to whether or not this land is transferred to WFN for gravel
quarrying purposes for a tenure of up to 50 years.
We fear you will be making your decision on
inadequate/erroneous information as follows:
The water source is in question as there is currently a
dispute between the strata owners and E. Stewart with
respect to ownership of the LaCasa water utility. This may
well end up in court and is well documented in the Strata
Council Minutes. I can tell you the strata owners I spoke
with today are not in favour of supplying water for this
pit. Ben Stewart, MLA, we believe, erroneously assumed the
majority of people at the Wilsons Landing Meeting (April
2010) were in favour of a gravel pit if the road were
improved. Based on this, we understand he went forward to
MOTI and began to negotiate on behalf of WFN. We were in
attendance at the same meeting and although people discussed
the need for road improvements, most were more interested in
bringing officials out to the Westside (in a bus) and have
them experience the dangers of Westside Road. Does Ben
Stewart only care about this very small portion of his
constituents? Who was guiding him?
Jim Edgson, Regional Director also advocated for WFN and
this gravel pit based on his understanding of the same
meeting at Wilsonʼs Landing. Again, we do not believe the
majority of people at that meeting were in favour of this
gravel pit and even if that was the case, it would be a
fraction of the North Westside residents. We, in fact,
petitioned at the Traders Cove Recycling Station and there
was strong opposition. In fact, I would say 99% of the
residents that visited the recycling depot signed our
petition. Jim Edgson also attempted to convince his
colleagues at RDCO (meeting on audio) that only the
residents from LaCasa south would be affected by gravel
truck traffic. Is he so out of touch with his riding that he
does not realize that many of his constituents travel daily
to work in Kelowna? Many retired residents also travel to
Kelowna to do business at our Regional District, to attend
meetings, to shop, to attend medical appointments, to visit
friends and relatives, or just to reach Highway 97 and
travel south to the Coast, Summerland, Peachland, Penticton
and Osoyoos. Ludicrous! Also LaCasa is situated directly on
the north property boundary of this gravel pit and they will
be most affected by it - there are 500 strata lots there.
The proposed Rockchild
development will be on the south boundary of this property
with a proposed 70 homes.
We estimate the gravel truck traffic from the WFN/CAI pit to
be 1 truck every 6 minutes. However, the Burnco pit has now
opened up Bear Creek Main. Burnco will also be using
Westside Road and this could well result in 1 truck every 3
minutes when both pits are fully operational.
Also there is now the Provincial Government/WFN land swap
which, in part, will be “swapping” (?) 115 acres of land up
Bear Creek Main (near Tolko logsort). Apparently this 115
acres is gravel. As far as the public knows the deal has not
even been ratified! More open Government I am sure. Is it
possible this 115 acres will also create gravel truck
traffic for
Westside Road?
We recently heard of road improvements on Westside Road -
“pullouts.” No one is convinced “pullouts” will make the
worst sections of Westside Road safer. Government
spokespersons and politicians told us these “pullouts” had
nothing to do with WFN/CAI gravel pit. The question was
asked several times at the Road Improvements Meeting chaired
by Murray Tekano. Time will tell.
Are you or your staff aware there is no policing on Westside
Road? Is this even a consideration?
We have supplied petitions, emails, letters, bulletins and
attended meetings in an attempt to stop this gravel pit. We
wish to reiterate the following points in opposition to this
gravel pit:
a) noise and air pollution (diesel and crusher)
b) exceptionally strong winds continually blowing
particulate matter through the Valley (public health
issue)
c) environmental damage to Fintry Historical Park and
Fintry Protected Area (particulate matter is corrosive)
d) public health and public safety
e) conflict with Official Community Plan and present
zoning
f) conflict with wildlife corridors to the Lake, more
traffic more dead animals
g) Draft Management Plan, Section A, Project Overview
speaks of 50 or more years of operation - what then?
h) decrease in property values in the immediate area and
along the corridor
i) environmental damage to proposed RDCO park
immediately south - 92 hectares
j) WFNʼs brochure says a minimal levy will go to upgrade
Westside Road, how much will taxpayers pay? What
percentage are WFN and Canadian Aggregates paying?
k) Small upgrades to Westside Road will only be the
beginning as the road will deteriorate under the extra
stress
l) Who will monitor the traffic and pollution? Govt.
cutbacks leave no staff to monitor gravel pits (Van. Sun
Art.) dated June 25/10 re unmaintained dams due to
layoffs in Govt. staff (Osoyoos dam)
m) 249k tons per year traveling down Westside Road.
Notice of Work states that if estimated extraction for
sand/gravel production is 250k ton/yr. an application
must be made to the Environmental Assessment Office
(interesting?)
n) Who will pay for the extra maintenance and
surveillance required to maintain Westside Road because
of this gravel pit operation?
o) many signatures and letters were supplied in
opposition
p) Unlike other areas, all wildlife crosses this traffic
corridor to get to the Lake - they must have water -
there have been no provisions to protect any species
including the bighorn sheep.
q) Westside Road is a narrow, winding, mountainous and
scenic road used by tourists in motor homes, cars,
trucks pulling 5th wheels and on motorcycles many months
of the year. They already vie for position.
r) Environmental damage as specified in several letters
from the Ministry of Environment and were submitted to
ILMB.
s) Noise and dust pollution to tourist accommodations
bordering this proposed site.
The proposed amount of tandem gravel trucks and the
instability and geography of Westside Road will create a
lethal combination which will ultimately lead to fatalities
and lawsuits against the MOTI. Anyone in authority who is
complicit in the decision to open this quarry will bear some
responsibility.
In light of the foregoing we ask that you give this file
your utmost consideration and do the right thing - deny
Application # 3412092.
Yours truly,
Diane Baldwin, President
for:
Board of Directors
NORTH WESTSIDE RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION
cc Ben Stewart
Robert Hobson & Board
Ron Fralik
Wilsons Landing Community Association
LaCasa Strata Owners
Blair Lekstrom/Rich Coleman/Steve Thomson/Terry Lake
10.5 Every Developer, for any purpose other than the creation of
three (3) or less lots to provide sites for a total of three (3) or
less self-contained dwelling units, must pay to Westbank the
development cost charges for the sole purpose of providing funds to
assist Westbank in paying the development cost charges and levies of
providing, altering, or expanding sewerage, water, drainage and
highway facilities and public open
space or any of them, in order to serve, directly or indirectly the
development in respect of which the charges are imposed.
Ground will be broken today for the latest commercial development on
Westbank First Nation land.
The Okanagan Lake Shopping Centre, a small outdoor mall to be
located just south of the Westbank First Nation office building at
Highway 97 and Westside Road, will include a multi-screen movie
theatre and several retail outlets, including a pharmacy.
Currently there are no plans for a grocery story on the site.
The shopping centre is a partnership between the WFN, Churchill
International Property Corporation and Property Development Group.
It is the latest is a string of commercial and retail developments
on WFN land in recent years, developments that have included “big
box” stores such as Walmart, Canadian Tire, Home Depot and London
Drugs, as well as many smaller stores, restaurants, banks and other
services.
A Future Shop electronic store and Winner clothing outlet are
currently under construction just north of downtown Westbank on WFN
land.
Currently, the lease for the original commercial centre built on WFN
land, the Westbank Shopping Centre, is up for sale.
That centre includes the new Extra Foods grocery story, a White
Spot restaurant, a Wendy’s and Tim Hortons outlets.
It is also the sight of a large Zeller’s store but that building is
not part of the lease that is for sale.
No sale price has been released for the property but the realtor
dealing with the sale has said there has been interest expressed in
the lease since it went on the market last month.
awaters "at" kelownacapnews.com
Financial Transfer Agreement
The current five year Financial Transfer Agreement (FTA) between
Canada and WFN expired on March 31, 2010. Westbank
received a one year extension on the agreement and is currently in
negotiations for a new agreement.
Land Acquisitions
The WFN Constitution stipulates that any lands alienated from the
reserve must be replaced by lands “of greater or equivalent size or
value” and that any Land Exchange is subject to the approval of the
WFN Membership via referendum. In June 2009, the membership voted to
approve a land exchange between WFN and the Ministry of
Transportation (MoT). As part of an agreement reached between the
two parties in 2005, WFN agreed to provide 4.15 acres of reserve
land from IR #10 to the MoT for the construction of the Campbell
Road Interchange. The MoT compensated WFN in the amount of
$2,000,000
to find, secure, and purchase replacement lands. As a result, 19.76
acres were identified and purchased at Devon Road (map).
These lands are currently in the Agricultural Land Reserve and the
process has been initiated to have this designation removed and have
the lands added to Westbank Reserve Lands.
The new Westside Road interchange is expected to open as scheduled
at the end of October.
Barring an unforeseen delay, Project Communications Officer, Evelyn
Lube, says the first phase of the project will open October 31.
She says once the Westside Road interchange opens work will begin on
phase two, the Nancee Way overpass.
Phase two will be complete the end of summer, 2012.
As for the current project, Lube says there are a few things left to
complete.
"We still have paving to do, line marking to do, we have to complete
finishing the ramp and put all of the safety railings up," says
Lube.
"Some of the landscaping might be done this fall but it looks more
like it will be complete in the spring."
She says the priority is still opening the interchange and keeping
the traffic moving.
Lube says weather is the only obstacle to completing on time.
"We are working on a very aggressive schedule so there is no a lot a
leeway for weather. Having said that the contractor has some amount
of cushion, a couple of days they allow for poor weather. Even with
a couple of days of really bad weather we still anticipate an
October 31 opening."
She says crews will be getting the road ready for the opening over
the next few weeks which means there will be some intermittent lane
closures to allow some of the work to continue.
A Kelowna family is taking it upon themselves to try and change
traffic laws in Canada.
The Tomlinson family is launching a national "left hand turn"
petition urging the federal government to make those who commit
improper left hand turns, resulting in injury or death, guilty of an
indictable offence that could include imprisonment.
Pamela Tomlinson says her father was killed riding his motorcycle by
a truck driver who committed an improper left hand turn.
"The truck driver said they saw the bike coming but they thought
they would have enough time. The outcome for the driver that killed
my father was a traffic violation charge, a $115 ticket."
Tomlinson says the petition has just been launched and they hope to
gather 10,000 signatures.
A large blacktail buck takes a break from his lunch to check the
surroundings in a residential area of Okanagan Falls recently. A
number of incidents of aggressive deer have been reported this year
in the region.
Mark Brett/Western News
The B.C. SPCA has put Penticton council’s proposed deer cull in its
sights in a position paper that calls for a targeted approach to
addressing local ungulate over-population.
Simon St-Laurent, volunteer chair for the SPCA’s South Okanagan
Similkameen community council, said the organization is hoping to
work with the city, business and residents to humanely decrease the
deer population.
“Provincewide, many communities are obviously faced with the same
issues. It would be nice in Penticton to maybe do something
different,” St-Laurent said. “We have had some successes in other
communities across the province, although not as much as I would
like.
“In Penticton it’s a little bit different this year because of the
weather. I just wanted to make sure that council and the public was
aware of our position statement and alternatives.”
Council began grappling with the issue this summer over a notice of
motion calling on the city to take immediate action to reduce the
population of deer in the city to avoid conflicts. They agreed in
early August to strike an urban deer management committee, that
would generate recommendations for council on its options.
The SPCA stressed in its position paper released last week that it
would prefer council use as many non-lethal means as possible to
address urban deer issues, which would result in long-term
prevention versus short-term solutions.
Relocation isn’t among those options, as studies have shown moving
mature deer can result in high mortality from injuries during the
move and low survival rates when released in unfamiliar territories.
Contraception is also not available.
St-Laurent said he recognized that the only way to reduce a deer
population is to “unfortunately” destroy the animal, but he urged
policy makers to consider targeted culls rather than declaring open
season.
He pointed to successes in Port Alberni, where wildlife officials
culled not the whole herd, but does in heat. Those that were
pregnant were spared, and the cull was conducted at only specific
times of the year by wildlife officials or volunteer hunters who
were trained on what to look for.
“There is a registration process, a quota for the day. It’s possible
to do, but it’s very targeted. They’re not shooting at just
anything,” he said. “That’s the success we’ve had, by doing it
sensibly.”
The SPCA is also hoping the community can implement a plan with
multiple strategies, including reducing available food that entices
deer in town. While many people talk about fences around farms,
St-Laurent said it would be good to involve the agriculture sector
in discussions on other cost-effective ways to keep deer out of
gardens.
He pointed to Oliver’s farm community as having managed “the deer
population by using other, more natural and safe methods. Penticton
farmers don’t know; there’s been no communication on that.”
Business and development practices might be another area to review,
he said. Landscapers who are not local may suggest plants not
knowing they are a food source for deer.
“How can we make it not so attractive to deer, but keep it nice and
presentable? There’s a way of doing that, using different plants
that can be used,” St-Laurent said. “That’s why there needs to be a
few players around the table discussing those plants and processes
available in reducing the attraction for the deer.”
Those involved in road and highway maintenance might also want to
consider humane deterrents like reflectors that cast a light
disturbance into the bush or removing salt from highways as soon as
spring appears, he said. Given it was a road safety issue,
St-Laurent suggested ICBC might want to be a player in discussions.
“It will take time. It has taken many, many years for the deer
population to get where it is now. It will take time to undo that,
and re-educate them to stay in the forest and the bush,” he said.
The result could very well be longer lasting, as addressing the food
source is key to dealing with deer.
“Removing the nuisance would certainly be a success story, but it
does take time. It does take the buy-in from many of the different
organizations that are involved with animal welfare,” he said.
“They’re animals, too, but they go where the food is. If we provide
them with food, then they’ll be where we are.”
Penticton Coun. Mike Pearce, who kick-started the debate on the
issue in July with his notice of motion, said he has yet to see the
report from staff on the issue, but noted many residents have
contacted him out of frustration over inaction and delays.
Funding would also be an issue, he said.
“Quite frankly, I’m not looking for anything that’s going to cost
the community more money for taxes. We’re not at a time when we are
going to start new programs,” he said, adding the staff report may
include alternative measures akin to those found in the SPCA
position paper.
“I’m sure not all on council will think alike on this. We’ll see
what could get through when we see the staff report on what our
alternatives are. They’ve probably researched it,” he said. “We’re
not out here to machine gun a whole bunch of deer. We’re here to
make sure nobody dies.”
The staff report is expected to be presented to council for
consideration on Tuesday.
August 22, 2011 Castanet Poll
Do you agree with Councillor Graham James when he suggests the
HOV lanes through Kelowna should be scrapped?
August 10, 2011 - Castanet Poll - 1435 votes
Should HOV lanes along Harvey Avenue be in place only during peak driving hours?
Yes: 1144
No: 291
While reading about West Kelowna's (Ministry of Transportation deal) 700 acre crown land swap
in exchange for 8 acres of Westbank First Nations (WFN) land to build the Westside Road
Interchange and some land at the entrance to the new William Bennett bridge, keep in mind that critical transportation arteries
under the provincial government serve both WFN and DWK.
Westbank First Nation Self-Government Agreement between Her
Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada and Westbank First Nation
87. Title to all Westbank Lands shall continue to be held in the
name of Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada for the use and
benefit of Westbank First Nation.
88. Subject to sections 90 and 91, Licences and interests in
Westbank Lands approved, created, granted or issued pursuant to the
Indian Act and existing as of the Effective Date shall continue to
have effect in accordance with their terms and conditions.
89. Subject to this Agreement, Westbank First Nation shall have the
rights, powers, responsibilities and privileges of an owner in
relation to Westbank Lands and may grant Licences and interests in
Westbank Lands.
90. As of the Effective Date, the rights and obligations of Canada
as grantor in respect of Licences and interests in Westbank Lands
are transferred to Westbank First Nation.
91. Interests in Westbank Lands held on the Effective Date by
Members pursuant to allotments under subsection 20(1) of the Indian
Act are subject to the provisions of Westbank Law governing
interests in Westbank Lands and sharing in natural resource
revenues.
Exchange of Lands
92. Subject to sections 111 to 131, Westbank Lands shall not be
alienated except for exchange of land in circumstances where:
a. Westbank First Nation shall receive lands of greater or
equivalent size or value in consideration for the exchange taking
into account all of its interests involved;
b. Canada is willing to set apart the lands received in exchange as
a reserve defined under the Indian Act and as subsection 91(24)
lands as set out in the Constitution Act, 1867;
c. Council has made full disclosure
to its Members of all the circumstances surrounding the exchange.
At least three community meetings shall be held where the proposed
transactions are disclosed; and
d. the Members have approved the exchange in accordance with an
approval process to be established in the Constitution for this
purpose.
93.
a. Where the criteria in section 92 have been satisfied, Westbank
First Nation can execute an authorization and direction to Canada to
exchange title to the land.
b. Upon Canada receiving authorization and direction to exchange
Westbank Land, Canada shall take the necessary steps to transfer and
acquire the relevant titles to the lands in accordance with:
i.the authorization;
ii.the terms and conditions of the exchange; and
iii.procedural requirements applicable to acquisitions and
dispositions of federal Crown lands.
94. Westbank First Nation shall be responsible for determining
whether the criteria referred to in section 92 have been fulfilled.
Westbank First Nation's determination shall be definitive and can be
relied upon as such by Canada.
95. For greater certainty, the land alienated in accordance with
sections 92 and 93 shall no longer be "Lands reserved for the
Indians" under subsection 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867.
NEWS RELEASE September 11, 2009
For Immediate Release
2009TRAN0013-000314
Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure
Westbank First Nation
WEST KELOWNA – The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and
the Westbank First Nation (WFN) have signed an agreement that will
facilitate the construction of a new interchange at Westside Road,
Westside-Kelowna MLA Ben Stewart and Westbank First Nation Chief
Robert Louie announced today.
Under the agreement, the WFN will
deliver the new interchange, improvements to supporting roads and a
new underpass at Spland Road through qualified contractors.
The project will be turned over to the Province once completed.
“The new interchange will significantly improve the safe flow of
traffic in this busy transportation corridor,” said Stewart. “Seeing
this project come closer to fruition is great news for our
community, as it provides much needed jobs that will help support
our local economy.”
“This is the commencement of the second major transportation project
that WFN will deliver in partnership with MoT,” said Chief Robert
Louie. “By replacing the existing intersection with the new
interchange and making improvements to the supporting roads network,
we’ll see not only improved functioning of the highway, but also
traffic moving much more smoothly through our lands to the highway.”
The $41-million project is being delivered in four stages:
· Clearing, grubbing and stripping of project area beginning in
September 2009 and continuing until the end of October 2009.
· Demolition of structures within construction boundaries from
October 2009 through November 2009.
· Construction of detour roads November 2009 until summer 2010.
· Construction of the Westside Road Interchange and Spland Road
underpass from late summer 2010 with completion scheduled for fall
2012.
Tenders for construction of the detour roads are being advertised on
BC Bid.
The public is invited to learn more about this project at an open
house Monday, Sept. 14 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the old fire hall
building at the Highway 97/Westside Road intersection.
The project is funded under the Province’s three-year, $14-billion
capital infrastructure program that will create up to 88,000 jobs
and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of B.C.
Contacts:
Jeff Knight
Public Affairs Bureau
Ministry of Transportation
250 356-7707
Evelyn Lube
WRI Project Communications
Westbank First Nation
250 864-7395
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the
Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at
www.gov.bc.ca.
For Immediate Release
2010PREM0136-000817
July 13, 2010
NEWS RELEASE COMMUNIQUÉ
Office of the Premier Westbank First Nation Government of Canada
WESTSIDE ROAD I/C TO BENEFIT KELOWNA AREA, OKANAGAN WESTBANK
– Construction of the Westside Road Interchange will begin in
early August, announced Premier Gordon Campbell, Westbank First
Nation Chief Robert Louie, Transportation and Infrastructure
Minister Shirley Bond, and Stockwell Day, president of the
Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, during
a groundbreaking ceremony held at the construction site today. “
We're very happy to see this phase of the project getting
underway, said Chief Louie. “The new interchange will provide
lasting benefit not only to the region by reducing congestion
and improving travel time along Highway 97, but also by
improving access to our reserve lands.”“This project will create
an estimated 250 jobs, helping Okanagan's economy while making
our roads safer and more efficient,” said Premier Campbell.
“We’re proud to work with our partners, the Westbank First
Nation and the federal government, investing in the future of
the Kelowna area, the Okanagan and the Pacific Gateway.” “Our
government is pleased to join the government of British Columbia
and the Westbank First Nation in breaking ground for this
important project,” said Minister Day. “This work will improve
traffic flow and the safety of commuters along this corridor.”
Preliminary work for major works construction activities began
in 2009. Now, the major works contract, worth $12.9 million, has
been awarded to Ledcor CMI Ltd. Ledcor
will be responsible for construction of the new grade-separated
interchange at Westside Road and Highway 97, an underpass at
Nancee Way and a new roundabout at the junction of Sneena and
Westside Roads. The new interchange will be complete and
open for traffic in the fall of 2011 with completion of the
underpass at Nancee Way scheduled for the fall of 2012. Phase 1
of the project cost $4.5 million and included a network roads
and utilities contract awarded to BC General Contracting in
2009, which is substantially complete.
Approximately $23.5 million has been invested in engineering and
design, property acquisition and project management costs.
“The Westside Road Interchange project is a continuation of the
fantastic partnership the Province enjoyed with the Westbank
First Nation on the Campbell Road Interchange a couple of years
ago,” said Minister Bond. “On this project we both welcome
federal government involvement to improve our infrastructure and
also help create jobs and to keep people working in B.C.” The
project will be managed by the Westbank First Nation until its
completion, at which time it will be turned over to the
Province. Funding for the project is being provided by the
provincial and federal governments. The overall value of the
project is $41 million. The investment by British Columbia is
$30 million and the federal government investment is up to $11
million from the Building Canada Fund. Westbank First Nation is
contributing land for the project. “It’s great to see this
project moving forward, creating jobs and improving
infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient travel along Highway
97,” said Ben Stewart, Minister of Community and Rural
Development and Westside-Kelowna MLA. Since 2001, the Province
has invested almost $600 million in upgrading roads, highways,
bridges and transit in the Okanagan. Public information sessions
will be scheduled this summer to provide more information about
the project and the traffic pattern changes for Westside Road.
Media Contacts:
Dale Steeves Office of the Premier 250 387-6605
Dave Crebo Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure 250 387-7787
Blueberry is WFN and does not want you to know any more about this
deal than you already do, as it's not in his/her best interests to
have transparency on the issue. Just the same as WFN won't report
the number of moose or deer they kill to help the province manage
our wildlife resources. The less we know about the size of handouts,
the better, apparently.
The way I see the process as it unfolded is as follows:
Individual land holders were already given both fair market value in
cash and replacement land for the 8 acres (this has already
occurred). In essence, they have already received double
compensation for the 8 acres, not including all the road upgrades
onto their lands and the construction contract profits.
Band members see individual band land holders
getting a piece of the pie, and they want some too. So, in an effort
to avoid any waves in the WFN pool, the province tries to quietly
grant them "hush land" to keep them happy.
DWK finds out and the "hush" turns into uproar. And rightly so, IMO.
I, for one, am sick and tired of paying ransom to this group.
There was nothing mentioned in the Highlights about WFN land swap
of 8 acres for the Westside Road Interchange in exchange for 698 acres of crown land and Road Improvements
August 16th 2011.
Topic: Rose Valley Land Swap Proposal
To: Mayor and Council and CAD, Mr. Jason Johnson
Members of our community are very concerned with the Provincial Government
Proposal to swap land in the Rose Valley Watershed and surrounding area.
Westside Resident's and Business Association supports DWK Mayor and Council and
RDCO Board decision to not sign any agreements until full disclosure of theses
agreement documents become known to them.
It is the opinion of the WRBA Executive that the land sizes and values are
confounding variables.
The basic principle is that no matter where it is located our water is a
precious resource and as such it is priceless.
Once again we emphatically state that our water
and surrounding lands is not for sale nor is it for trade.
It is our firm opinion that no land swap associated with our water, whether it
be lake or river or stream, will ever be acceptable to us as taxpaying citizens.
This is our position no matter the negotiating parties, private or other
government bodies.
The action that we are undertaking to protect public ownership of the Rose
Valley Watershed and surrounding land is as follows:
1. A Press Release stating our position
2. Letters, emails and phone calls to Premier Christy Clark, Minister Leckstrom
and MLA Ben Stewart.
3. A petition is currently being circulated
4. We are organizing an information meeting for community representatives
including neighbourhood associations.
5. We are requesting the Province provide full disclosure of this proposed
agreement and
any other agreements that may be in the works.
6. We are requesting an Environmental Impact Study
7. Investigating IHA Standards that apply in this instance.
We will continue to update you on our progress and results.
6.2 Letter Mary Mandarino re: Rose Valley Land Swap Proposal (for
your information)
District of West Kelowna resident Mary
Mandarino's correspondence of August 17, 2011 outlined her concerns regarding
the proposed Rose Valley land swap.
It was noted that various neighbourhood
associations in West Kelowna are voicing their concerns regarding this issue.
SHEPHERD/FIELDING
THAT the August 17, 2011 email from Mary Mandarino regarding the proposed Rose
Valley land swap be received.
There was nothing mentioned in the Highlights about Regionally
Significant Project Funding
Kelowna Regional Transit Increase
The Regional Board has approved a transit fare increase affecting Kelowna
Regional Transit System routes in Peachland and the Central Okanagan East
Electoral Area. The cash fare will increase January 1st by 25 cents to $2.25 per
trip. As well, 10-ticket sheets, day and monthly pass rates will also increase
by approximately 12%. This is the first fare increase since September 2007. The
Regional Board also supports a minimum fare recovery policy of 30% for
Conventional Transit and 10% for Custom handyDART Transit and that a route
review will be completed to determine the effectiveness of each route in the
system.
*Note* this is only a snippet, click link above for
entire contents
Agenda No: 11.3
Mtg Date: August 22, 2011
Regional Board Report
TO: Regional Board
FROM: Sustainability Steering Committee
DATE: August 11, 2011
SUBJECT: Regionally Significant Project Funding
RECOMMENDATION
THAT the Regional Board approve the following projects be included in the
Regional District's applications to the Union of BC Municipalities for funding
under the Regionally Significant Projects Federal Gas Tax Funding:
• New and replacement of transit buses - $4,402,420
• Active Transportation Planning and Projects - $2,247,315
AND THAT staff finalize costs and report back to the Regional Board on the final
application for each project being requested;
AND FURTHER THAT staff report back on the success of the applications.
BACKGROUND:
The Regional District's Sustainability Steering Committee met on July 14th to
further discuss priorities for the regionally significant gas tax funding
(minutes attached).
To date, the Regional Board has approved funding priorities (out of the
$8,722,420 available) for the following projects: RDCO HVAC replacement
($892,685), the Regional Growth Strategy (including the aggregate supply
and demand study) ($400,000); and the upgrade to the regional septage
facility ($780,000).
The Board had previously agreed to include active transportation projects which
did not include funding for transit buses as a priority. In discussion with
municipal staff, concern has been expressed that there are not many active
transportation projects for consideration and that debt servicing of transit
buses is still a considered priority for the municipalities. RDCO staff continue
discussions with the member municipalities regarding the two priorities (new and
replacement of transit buses, and active transportation planning and projects).
The above recommendation is brought forward for Board approval in order for all
staff to move forward in planning considerations for the two remaining
priorities. How the remaining funds are to be distributed between the
municipalities and electoral areas is yet to be determined.
Application deadline for these funds is September 2012. This is submitted for
consideration.
------------------
October 7, 2010
Chair Robert Hobson and Board
Central Okanagan Regional District
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna BC V1W 324
Dear Chair Robert Hobson and Board:
RE: GAS TAX AGREEMENT REGIONALLY SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS FUND
We are pleased to advise that Gas Tax Agreement's Partnership Committee has
approved a Strategic Priorities Fund program model. The Committee has again
agreed to set aside, or reserve, a portion of the funding for Regionally
Significant projects (RSPs) within Tier 2 regions.
The amount reserved for RSPs in your region is $8,722,420.00. We invite the
regional district, on behalf of itself and its member municipalities, to contact
UBCM indicating your interest in entering a RSP Working Group with UBCM and the
Province.
UBCM is interested in working with you throughout the development process.
The RSP Working Group, consisting of staff from UBCM and the Province, will
facilitate the discussion with staff from your region on the process for
developing an RSP proposal that meets the Gas Tax
outcomes of lower greenhouse gas emissions, cleaner air, or cleaner water, and
which is large in scale and regional in impact.
RSPs are unique as they will not be competing for funding against applications
from other regions, and funding will be provided for approved RSP projects up to
the lesser of the eligible costs of the projects and the amount reserved for the
region.
Further information about RSP proposals is set out in the enclosed Question and
Answer document. If you would like further information about the RSP program, or
would like to initiate discussions with the RSP Working Group, please contact
Brant Felker, Gas Tax Program Officer by email at bfelker "at" ubcm.ca or by
phone at 250 356-0893.
Yours truly,
Barbara Steele
UBCM President
pc: Harold Reay, CAD
don't forget to click link above for the entire contents
Staff report dated August 11, 2011 outlined the recommendation from the RDCO
Sustainability Steering Committee regarding funding under the Regionally
Significant Projects Federal Gas Tax Funding. It was noted that since the July
14th Committee meeting the Regional Board approved funding for the upgrade to
the regional septage facility.
It was noted that staff are not sure at this
point if transit buses fit the criteria for regionally significant funding.
SHEPHERD/FINDLATER
THAT the Regional Board approve the following projects be included in the
Regional District's applications to the Union of BC Municipalities for funding
under the Regionally Significant Projects Federal Gas Tax Funding:
• New and replacement of transit buses - $4,402,420
• Active Transportation Planning and Projects - $2,247,315
AND THAT staff finalize costs and report back to the Regional Board on the final
application for each project being requested;
AND FURTHER THAT staff report back on the success of the applications.
050 - Transportation Demand Management (Page 136): Clean Air Day: Poster
contest had 270 entries from 10 area schools. Breakfast Bus promotion included
400 station visits and 1,500 promotional transit rides given. International Car
Free Day: Pre-planning and sponsorship/volunteer recruitment is underway for the
Sep. 26 event. Transit Trip Planning Project: In the process of finalizing GPS
locates for the Google Maps application and initial testing of the trip planning
software. Class Rides Free, Companion Pass and ProPass Transit Programs: Record
participation from elementary schools with over 3,000 promotional and
educational rides given to June 30, 2011. Highway 97 Alternate Cycling Route
signage is complete at key junctions of the Regional cycling network including
kiosks on the east end of Okanagan Lake Bridge. Transit Advertising
Franchise: Currently negotiating terms for on-bus advertising contract renewal.
U-Pass Initiative: UBCO:
Initial consultations with student representatives and administrative staff
regarding the proposed U-Pass rate increase and required student referendum are
complete. Okanagan College: The student referendum planning has occurred, and
initial consultations are underway including a U-Pass Workshop for August. UBCO
Faculty & Staff: Initial proposal is drafted and TOM is awaiting response from
UBCO Administration.
083 - Westside Transit Services (page 136): Negotiations
continue for a proposed rate increase for the U-Pass program with UBC-Okanagan.
The increase would take effect September 1, 2012 upon approval of UBCO students
and the University Board of Governors. A general increase in transit fares and
passes for 2012 is under consideration by the Regional Board.
It is proposed cash fares for convention transit and handiDART users rise
January 1 by 25 cents while monthly passes would go up approximately 12% or $7
more for an adult pass. This would be the first increase since September 2007.
11.1 Quarterly Program Measures Report,
Year-to-date - June 30, 2011
The Quarterly Program Measures Report,
year-to-date June 30, 2011, Executive Summary was presented for information and
review. Staff highlighted any areas of financial concern to date within the
Executive Summary.
The Committee was reminded it is staff's responsibility to
identify any change from their original plans including goals, revenues,
expenses and that it's the Board's responsibility to ensure the documents are
reviewed and any concerns raised.
SHEPHERD/FINDLATER
THAT the Quarterly Measures Report, Year-to-date June 30,2011 be received.
7.1 Transit - Fare Increase and Recovery Percentage (postponed
from July 14, 2011 for District of Peachland to review)
Following the July 14, 2011 Governance & Services Committee meeting,
the District of Peachland requested staff first review the rationale
for a transit fare increase with Council. This presentation was
provided to Council on August 9th and Peachland Council agreed to
the fare increase.
FIELDING/BAKER
THAT the Governance & Services Committee recommends that the
Regional Board approve a fare increase for Conventional and Custom
Transit effective January 1, 2012;
AND THAT the Regional Board support a minimum recovery policy of 30%
for Conventional Transit and 10% for Custom Transit;
AND FURTHER THAT a route review be completed to determine the
effectiveness of each route.
Nothing was mentioned in the Highlights about WFN land swap of 8
acres for the Westside Road Interchange in exchange for almost 700
acres of crown land nor about Westside Road improvements mentioned by City of
Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd. This was a director item.
Nothing was mentioned in the Agenda about WFN land swap of 8 acres
for the Westside Road Interchange in exchange for almost 700 acres of crown land
nor about Westside Road improvements mentioned by City of Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd.
This was a director item.
There is nothing in the Minutes mentioned about the WFN land swap
There is no Agenda or Highlights about Westside Road because it was a
Director Item
7. DIRECTOR ITEMS
3) UBCM Convention - Meetings with cabinet ministers
Chair Hobson noted
that meetings have been requested with Ministers Lake and Thomson regarding
License of Occupations.
It was recommended that a
meeting request be submitted for the Minister of Transportation regarding safety
of Westside Road.
SHEPHERD/EDGSON
THAT a meeting request be submitted for UBCM Convention meetings with cabinet
ministers to the Minister of Transportation regarding the
safety issues on Westside Road.
Complaints about a windy stretch of Westside Road aren’t new, but
with Tuesday’s deadly crash top of mind, its safety shortcomings
have become more pronounced.
It’s not an issue that has escaped the radar of the B.C. Ministry of
Transportation, however, and there are plans in the works to lessen
the strain on the road.
“The ministry is assessing up to 10 pullout sites to enable
slower-moving vehicles, such as heavy commercial vehicles and
recreational vehicles, to safely pull over so that other vehicles
can pass,” said Jeff Knight, communications manager for the ministry
of transportation and infrastructure.
“The first two locations just south of La Casa and at Cesar’s
Landing are double sites, with pullouts on two sides of the roadway,
both north and southbound.”
The other six are all single locations for a total of 10.
Once installed, they’re intended to reduce driver frustration, and
the risk of unsafe passing maneuvers—two things that might have led
to Tuesday’s crash.
That collision occurred Tuesday at about 6:30 p.m. on a stretch of
Westside Road, about seven kilometres north of Highway 97. The
driver of a Cadillac sedan, is believed to have tried to pass a
northbound Toyota station wagon on a sharp curve. Instead the
Cadillac sideswiped the vehicle, forcing it into the cement barrier
on the side of the road. Then the Cadillac driver lost control and
the vehicle plunged down a steep embankment. The car was submerged
when emergency personnel arrived.
The body of a man, believed to be in his 60s, was recovered
Thursday. The occupants of the other vehicle were shaken up but not
injured.
The start of construction will depend on the results of both
required engineering work and further consultation with First
Nations on land use issues.
The Regional Board has given support in principle to the
organizers of a proposed mass participation cycling event around the
Central Okanagan. The GranFondo event is planned for Saturday, July
16th on an approximately 140-kilometer route around Okanagan Lake,
including 60-kilometers along Westside Road. The organizers will be
communicating information on the impact on affected routes including
a proposed dedicated southbound lane closure from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
for a portion of Westside Road in the Central Okanagan West
Electoral Area. The Board support is conditional on the organizers
receiving approval from the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure for a comprehensive traffic management plan.
SHEPHERD/EDGSON
THAT the Regional Board supports in principle the request for a
dedicated Southbound lane on Westside Road for the July 16th
Gran Fondo event subject to a transportation plan being
developed with the Ministry of Transportation;
AND FURTHER THAT a letter be forwarded to the Ministry of
Transportation (copy local MLAs) that the Regional Board is
supportive of the Gran Fondo event and encouraging their
cooperation.
5.4 Kevin Thomson and Bill McKinnon, GranFondo Canada
Kevin Thomson and Bill McKinnon provided an overview of the GranFondo Kelowna
2011 event scheduled for July 16th
.
• Course includes a 140km biking event--a long distance, mass-participation
cycling event
• Start/Finish is in Kelowna.
• Overall participation in GranFondo style events is skewed to 35+ age group
• Central Okanagan area has the capacity of have a similar event as Whistler
• Requesting support for a dedicated southbound lane on Westside Road - 9am to
3pm.
• Working with the Ministry of Transportation but ran into an issue for Westside
Road. Political will is required for this action to proceed.
• Working with professional traffic control and road maintenance (Argo), signage
at all driveways, traffic can flow North all day long, one day event, one-time
only.
• Future dates would consider a June event in the Okanagan.
Dave Turner, Ministry of Transportation (Vernon) addressed the Committee noting
the Ministry is not currently in support of the lane closure. Mr. Turner
explained that there was to be a public consultation process and as far as they
know this has
not occurred. Does not know if there is any community support for the event? The
Ministry is looking for a traffic management plan from GranFondo.
• In some areas there is no option to go North when you live so close to Kelowna
(Sailviewarea). Is there an opportunity to have flag traffic to keep the road
open? There are no options for people on Westside Road to travel alternate
routes to Kelowna.
• It was noted that they had similar issues around Squamish for the Whistler
event. Emergency services would not be adversely affected. Stationed emergency
service areas will be in effect.
• Director Edgson noted he will have a community meeting in the area on April
29th to gather input from the community.
• Have discussions occurred with Okanagan Indian Band? Yes, Gran Fondo officials
have communicated with the new Band Chief.
• It was noted that to be successful it will be important for the community to
be informed well in advance.
• Plan has been submitted to the Ministry for part of the event course. Wanted
to know if there is political will for such an event. Ongoing dialogue with the
Ministry of Transportation.
• This is a one day event, six hours in length. If an event like this can be
successful in Vancouver-Whistler, why not here. This is a huge tourism
opportunity for the Okanagan.
#GS37/11 EDGSON/SHEPHERD
THAT the GranFondo Event presentation be received;
AND FURTHER THAT the Governance & Services Committee recommends the Regional
Board support in principle the request for a dedicated Southbound lane on
Westside Road for the July 16th Gran Fondo event subject to a transportation
plan being
developed with the Ministry of Transportation;
AND FURTHER THAT a letter be forwarded to the Ministry of Transportation,
copying the local MLAs, that the Regional Board is supportive of the Gran Fondo
event and encouraging their cooperation.
6.2 Regional Transportation Demand Management Program Update (Jerry Dombowsky,
City of Kelowna Regional Programs Manager)
The Regional District's Transportation Demand Management Program is contracted
to the City of Kelowna to carry out the service.
Jerry Dombowsky provided a review of the region's program including a review of
the background of the program for 2010, workplan for 2011 and 2011 budget.
- Participating partners are the City of Kelowna, District of West Kelowna and
the electoral areas. Peachland and Lake Country are not part of the service.
- Reviewed travel planning initiatives noted in the air quality review.
- Existing programs continue. New projects for 2011 - UBCO sustainable Glenmore
Transportation ComPASS Pilot Project; KGH Corporate TDM plan, UBCO UPASS fare
strategy, Okanagan College UPASS research, faculty/staff pass UBCO/Okanagan
College.
Discussion:
- The Regional Board will require information on the UPASS increase before it is
proposed to UBCO. Enhancement to service has not been completed and the
expectation is for improved service. BRT is only beginning after a four year
UPASS installation.
Preliminary meetings have been held with student groups reviewing the UPASS
agreement.
Will be consultative with UBCO and addressed formally in May.
Long complicated, diplomatic process.
The question was raised why is there the need for an increase when all students
don't use the bus but all pay for it? They get a four month pass for basically
the cost of a one month pass.
Students need to feel they get value. Working with what service needs are
required for the students.
A different model would be used for staff UPASS systems.
SHEPHERD/OPHUS
THAT the Governance & Services Committee received the TDM 2011 workplan and
budget which details programs and directions for the regional Transportation
Demand function.
The Westside Road Interchange Project is pleased to announce that a
third continuous lane from the William R. Bennett Bridge through the
Nancee Way intersection was opened Tuesday morning, three days in
advance of the original schedule.
The early opening is the result of efforts by the contractor, LEDCOR
CMI and its subcontractors who have worked diligently to get the
work completed as soon as possible.
The third lane will be subject to lane closures during non‐peak
traffic times to allow workers to complete the remaining section of
the overpass structure.
The restoration of the third traffic lane is intended to improve
traffic efficiency through the project site.
Intersection lights at Boucherie Road and Nancee Way have also been
adjusted to maximize green time along Highway 97 and will continue
to be monitored throughout the summer.
Motorists are reminded that the speed limit through the construction
zone is 60 km/hr.
Please watch for crews and equipment working in the area and obey
all traffic signage and flagpersons. Check
DriveBC for traffic updates and information.
The Westside Road Interchange Project is a partnership between
Westbank First Nation and the BC Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure.
We took some photos along Westside Road of the Upper Fintry,
Shalal Road, Valley of the Sun water main construction to show you. Click
here to see the photos and the
huge hole in Westside Road that who knows, it's so
big it may just offset someone into Okanagan Lake, so please slow down and be
careful in the construction zone.
Should the provincial government make improving Westside Road a
top priority?
Yes 875
No 435
Total votes: 1310
Improve it how?
Improve it how?
What about deer fencing where there is a steep drop off down to Okanagan Lake,
fixing potholes up and adding shoulders where there are none?
There are already pullouts on Westside Road.
Some people don't use them, either because they don't know they are there, or
they are full of holes.
Pullouts don't need to be paved, they just need to be maintained and holes
filled. There needs to be signs well ahead of the pullout to let drivers
know there is a pullout (pull off) ahead. And maybe slow vehicles need to
be told to use the pull offs.
There is no way corners should be straightened on Westside Road. Too many
animals for that. People will really be racing down the road if that
happens, because people overdrive Westside Road enough as it is.
We don't want to see Westside Road become a freeway, or do we?
What kind of improvements do people want? The Castanet.net poll was
non-specific.
Changes being made at the construction site near Westside Road over
the next several days should ease some of the congestion commuters
have been experiencing over the past number of weeks.
The proposed changes are designed to help both the morning commute
into Kelowna as well as the evening commute back to West Kelowna
where traffic line-ups have stretched as far back as Orchard Park on
some evenings.
Ministry of Transportation spokesman, Murray Tekano, says with all
the traffic pattern changes due to the Westside Road Interchange
project, the government has been monitoring traffic flow over the
past several weeks.
"For the past few weeks we've noticed traffic has been very slow
coming off the bridge so there has been a lot of delays in that
area," says Tekano.
"We have been working with Westbank First Nation who are overseeing
the project that Ledcor Construction is building and we have come up
with some changes."
Tekano says some of the changes will be implemented as early as
Friday.
These changes include alterations to traffic signal timing at both
Nancee Way and Boucherie Road as well as bringing back a third lane.
At present, traffic moving up Bridge Hill merges from three lanes to
two once vehicles enter the construction zone. The third lane does
not re-emerge until after the intersection with Nancee Way.
Tekano says the traffic signals at both intersections were adjusted
Thursday morning to give maximum green time available to highway
traffic.
He says the second change revolves around restoring the third lane
for southbound commuters through the construction zone.
"By tomorrow (Friday), there will be a third lane coming from Nancee
Way back to the structure that is being constructed. That will allow
for additional disbursement and improve the flow there," says Tekano.
"Over the next couple of weeks they will extend that third lane all
the way down so we connect back up to the two lanes up the hill.
We'll have a full three lanes again in about two weeks."
Despite the congestion, Tekano says people have been really patient.
"I think people recognize it's a construction zone. Certainly there
are times, like a couple of days ago when there were a couple of
break-downs on the bridge which caused some back-ups into town."
Construction of phase one of the interchange is expected to be
complete sometime this fall.
Westside Road has been deemed one of the 20 worst roads in B.C. That
according to a survey conducted by BCAA.
Westside Road
Westside Road finished 18th in the survey.
It received a paltry 33 votes of the 3,397
cast (less than 1%).
The main issue cited by
those responding was damaged pavement.
Westside Regional District Director, Jim Edgson, has been advocating
upgrades to the road for years.
He says if people truly want changes they have to make their voices
heard. Edgson says 33 voices won't
cut it.
Westside Road comes under the jurisdiction of the provincial
government.
Edgson says people need to make noise by
contacting the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure (Blair
Leckstrom) and their local MLA (Ben Stewart)
"If you want to see results, and I know this through the Regional
District, you need to draw attention from more than one person, more
than 10 people, more than 33 people," says Edgson.
"You've got to be up there and you
need to be in the hundreds. And, it's not just one letter one time.
This is a five year process, it's a long process."
Edgson says right now, the road is not a high enough priority to get
it fixed. He says that has to change before anything can be done.
He says the first priority should be to
properly maintain the road.
"The first thing it needs in the short term is
it needs to be better maintained from Shelter Cove north to
Westshore, that's number one. Number two, there are too many areas
where that road is narrow and it's falling off the edge. It needs to
be either widened or fixed so it doesn't keep falling into the
lake."
Edgson says the ministry needs to come up with a plan to show they
are going to make it more than just an extremely narrow road without
any shoulders at all.
He says that area of the westside is growing and traffic continues
to increase, not just with residents living in the area but also due
to two very popular parks at Bear Creek and Fintry.
Several people have been killed along Westside Road over the years.
The most recent death occurred May 3 when a Cadillac plunged into
Okanagan Lake.
Edgson says he can't stress enough the fact that the government
won't make Westside Road a priority until more than 33 people let
the province know something has to be done.
"If
you want to be effective you need to go out there and you need to
send individual letters to the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure to get their attention. You need to do more than 33
and you need to do it more than once," adds Edgson.
"I'm glad the BCAA thing brought attention to the road. It will be
extremely ineffective until people let their voices be known.
Track repeat visitors and day
users, to determine the volume of park use travel from the north
and south ends of Westside Road.
Encourage Ministry of
Transportation and Highways to construct
pull outs and
safety barriers along
Westside Road, and to install barriers on Fintry Delta Road.
Encourage Ministry of
Transportation and Highways to survey and design a relocated
intersection at Westside Road, to be built when traffic
congestion requires upgrading to the intersection.
Survey and dedicate Westside
Road, removing the road from park status.
Eliminate, except for emergency
and park management purposes, vehicle use of access easements
and former roads in the park. In particular, close the
Attenborough Road short cut route to vehicular traffic and
incorporate the route as part of the hiking and horse trail
system. Keep Old Fintry Access route closed to all but emergency
vehicles. Incorporate the route as part of the looped canyon
trail system. Use gates, road rehabilitation, signage and
landscaping to discourage vehicular use except at designated
park entrances.
When backcountry use increases,
construct pull outs
for Westside Road users, possibly in conjunction with a
backcountry user parking area on Westside Road.
Install sign along Westside Road
at Bear Creek Provincial Park noting distance to Fintry Park.
Work with private tour operators
to determine feasibility of boat tours, with Fintry as a
destination.
Don't expect the flow of traffic to reach the posted speed of 60
km/hr. through the construction zone on Highway 97 and Westside Road
anytime soon.
Westside Road Interchange Construction
Traffic heading over the floating bridge toward West Kelowna has
been slow going in recent weeks during the afternoon rush hour as
construction forces motorists to merge from three lanes down to two
on Bridge Hill.
Project Communications Officer, Evelyn Lube, says that will continue
through the summer.
Over the next week, Lube says motorists will notice two significant
traffic pattern changes.
• Highway 97 northbound traffic lanes will be separated just north
of Nancee Way beginning the morning of Wednesday, May 25 for three
to four days.
• Highway 97 southbound traffic will be realigned to pass under the
Westside Road underpass structure beginning the morning of Tuesday,
May 31. This alignment will remain in place throughout the summer.
• Evening lane closures will be in effect immediately prior to both
traffic shifts. Motorists may experience some delays.
Lube reminds motorists the speed limit through the construction zone
is 60 km/hr. You are asked to watch for crews and equipment working
in the area and obey all traffic signage and flaggers.
Phase one of the interchange was expected to be complete near the
end of August, however, Lube says weather related paving delays has
pushed completion to later in the fall.
May 22, 2011 Vernon Morning Star Newspaper Article about
BCAA's worst road survey
Westside Road is #7
West Kelowna traffic patterns to
change through construction zone
Motorists will encounter new traffic patterns Wednesday at the
Westside Road Interchange construction project. As the underpass
structure and surrounding roadwork continues, traffic patterns are
being adjusted but the evening closures remain in effect.
okanaganlakebc.ca forgot to post the link to this info, and the
date too. This was for sometime between May 6 and 22, 2011. We
found this on Castanet.net .. sorry about that. We were
probably sidetracked while posting this
May 6, 2011 CHBC 11:00pm news said BCAA top 10 roads people voted on that
needing upgrading - Westside Road was #6
Pullouts considered for Westside Road BC
click for larger article
What about the existing pull-offs, couldn't they be smoothed over and put up
signs saying pull-off ahead so many metres?
May 17, 2011
The North Westside Road Fire Chief just told us that the
GranFondo Event has been cancelled on Westside
Road. It is not cancelled all together, its just not going to
travel Westside Road.
The OKIB did not approve of the GranFondo event so its now
cancelled on Westside Road.
Funny thing about it, is that RDCO had no say according to
Central Okanagan West Director Jim Edgson!
We believe they are using the commonage and down through Dept. of Defense Lands
and back south to Kelowna. At least we will not be bothered...could still cause
some headaches on the Highway between Kelowna and Vernon I guess.
May 16, 2011 we received another email about the GranFondo
bicycle event planned for July 16, 2011 on Westside Road that was
sent to Director Jim Edgson and cc'd to okanaganlakebc.ca ... and
we have permission to post it anonymously.
-------------------------------------------
As a resident of Westside Road it is hard for me to believe that
with the dangers of the road that a bicycle event would even be
considered. The road has its dangers when there is lots of camper
traffic on it (people not that familiar with the road), the wildlife
and cows, tourists and locals driving like crazy that is enough to
have to deal with now you are planning a bicycle event and we will
have to deal with bicyclists who will want to practice in the days
leading up to the event and they like to ride 2 to 3 abreast and
there is no room for a car, oncoming car and the cyclists to pull
over. As it is the cyclists when they are riding in a group don't
move over now.
This road is our only link to Vernon and Kelowna, why would it even
be considered for an event such as this that will impede emergency
crews if needed. There has been alot of crashes down Westside road
and it is tough enough for the emergency crews, why make it worse.
Maybe instead of shutting down the road it should be considered to
make a cycle path along the road and then you can have this in years
to come.
I urge you and your colleagues to reconsider the decision to use
this road for the event. There is alot of traffic now on the road
and in the days to come will be more due to the tourists we really
don't need to add bicycles into the equation. Why can't this event
take place on Highway 97 where it has more room?
--------------------------------------
This is Director Jim
Edgson's reply to the email above about GranFondo
Subject: Re:
GranFondo Bicycle Event being held July 16, 2011 along Westside Road
Date: Mon, 16 May 2011 18:29:40 -0700
From: jim.edgson "at" cord.bc.ca
To: North Westsider
CC: Dave.Turner "at" gov.bc.ca; kevin "at" toitevents.com
Thank you! I am passing this information along to GranFondo and the
MOTI. For your information, the route proposed does include #97 in
part. For your further information, on April 7 the RDCO Board
adopted the following resolution: "that the Regional Board supports
in principle the request for a dedicated Southbound lane on Westside
Road for the July 16th GranFondo event subject to a transportation
plan being developed with the Ministry of Transportation". All roads
in this area are the responsibility of the MOTI. The RDCO cannot
approve anything to do with any of "our" roads in Central Okanagan
West.
All this was noted at the open house held on April 28 in La Casa.
This was advertised on each bulletin Board, including the one in
Westshores. Perhaps you missed that meeting.
Thank you for your input.
Jim Edgson
Director Central Okanagan West
Ph: 250-212-7296
Gary Clark emailed us May 10, 2011 to say the following about
the GranFondo bicycle event along Westside Road July 16, 2011.
--
Hi:
Please see the attachment.
I have spoken with many Westside residents on this matter. So far
none are in favour of this event taking place on Westside Rd. It
seems that the only one that can prevent this event from happening
now is the Dept of highways. If you share these concerns, please
contact Dave Turner at Hwys.
Your comments would be appreciated
Thx
Gary Clark
--
Dave Turner dave.turner "at" gov.bc.ca 250-503-3606 Dpt of Hwys
****
other contacts
Neil McInnon - neil "at" granfondocanada.com 604-720-8534
Director Jim Edgson - jim.edgson "at" cord.bc.ca 250-212-7296
I attended a town meeting (Apr 28th) hosted by Jim Edgson of the
Regional District of Central Okanagan. The meetings purpose was to
inform Westside Road residents of the upcoming “ RBC GranFondo”
cycling event. This is a one day 140km bicycle ride involving 1500
cyclists starting in Kelowna continuing through Vernon and south
again down Westside Road and back to Kelowna. The goal of GranFondo
is to increase this number to 5000 over the couple of years and make
this an annual event . This information was emailed to me by Alison
Liebel Systems Manager at RBC GranFondo, Kelowna. (Please keep in
mind this is a business, NOT a non-profit group). I believe this is
a great event and I am not in any way trying to undermine the good
things that GranFondo brings to the community.
The problems I have are with the choice of Westside
Rd as their route and there are several serious issues that have
been overlooked or ignored by the promoters of the event. The big
one is safety.
They intend to CLOSE the southbound side of Westside
Rd from approximately 9am until sometime in the afternoon on Sat
July 16th and use it strictly for cyclists. Westside Rd is the ONLY
way to get from Vernon to Kelowna on the west side of the lake,
there are no alternate or detour routes available, they don’t exist.
There are two major Provincial parks on Westside Rd,
Fintry and Bear Creek as well as a few other campsites. July 16th is
a very busy time for these parks and they are fully booked for that
weekend which means lots of Motor home and RV traffic are only able
to use the northbound lane. These two major parks cater to large
RVs, Trailers, Boats, and Motorhomes.
Westside Road is a treacherous Rd as it is. Many
sections are very narrow and have no railings or even shoulders, and
drop-offs are steep and unforgiving.
The question was put to the organizer, Kevin
Thomson, as to why he chose the southbound route of Westside Rd for
the event. His response was that the “northbound route would be far
to dangerous for cyclists” due to the above-mentioned facts. The
point is, yes it is “Very Dangerous” but it is also extremely
dangerous to the traffic and RVs forced to the outside lane by 1500
cyclists. This number will grow to 5000 in future years.
The second safety issue is Fire protection and
Emergency services. Both lanes of Westside Rd will be jammed with
either bikes or cars with “no” room to pull over in many spots
severely crippling our emergency services. Our volunteer Fire Dept
has been “hired and paid “ by GranFondo” to remain at the fire
halls. I was not aware until yesterday that our Emergency services
could be hired by private citizens, or companies for the day. Wayne
Carson, fire chief of the Westside volunteer Fire Department has
assured me that fire response time should be better, due to the fire
fighters remaining at the fire hall. He did however agree that
Ambulance and police services from Kelowna or Vernon will be
severely hampered.
There are a few more reasons why Westside Rd is a bad choice for
this venue.
Westside Rd is loaded with large potholes fallen rocks, an amazing
amount of deer (a major road hazard any time of day) and Bighorn
sheep that move for nobody.
The Fintry Edwardian Fair celebrating BC Parks 100th anniversary is
being held on July16th. The Friends of Fintry have spent hundreds of
man-hours into planning and fundraising for this event for the
benefit of the general public. They are expecting 500-700 people to
turn up as well as food vendors, bands etc. This adds more traffic
to Westside rd. The road being blocked will definitely affect the
turnout for this long planned event as potential visitors from
Vernon , Armstrong, as well as other communities to the north will
be blocked. I would also anticipate that visitors would avoid
attending due to the danger and congestion caused by the cyclists.
There are at least 3 afternoon weddings on Westside Rd that weekend
that I know of. Both are being catered and mostly attended from the
Vernon side of Westside road, now to be closed to traffic. This
involves about 210 people that will now have to commute though
Kelowna, (easily adding 1 ½ hrs to the trip) Vernon may lose the
catering and rental business for these 2 weddings. Brides may have
to cancel their Vernon arrangements, lose deposits, and make new
arrangements in Kelowna including hotel reservations for guests,
catering, etc.
I cannot believe that Jim Edgson of the Regional District would
approve of such a potentially dangerous route to be used for this
venue. Cyclists, motorists and residents of Westside rd. are all at
greater risk. Maybe we could all email him and ask him why.
jim.edgson "at" cord.bc.ca
Gary Clark, 20yr Westside Rd resident.
-----------------------------------
okanaganlakebc.ca agrees
with Gary, and we bet you do too! PLEASE PASS THIS MESSAGE
AROUND!!!!!
To read more about GranFondo and to hear what was said at the
Regional Board meeting, there are audio clips posted to the North
Westside Road news section on okanaganlakebc.ca as well as at the
other two links below. You have to scroll down a bit to find the
audio once you click the links. Newest info is at the top of each
page. You have to download the audio to your hard drive on
your computer and then click on the file to listen to it.
Photo: Daniel Hayduk - Castanet
Emergency crews examine the scene of Tuesday's fatal crash on
Westside Road, where one vehicle with an unknown number of occupants
plummeted into Lake Okanagan.
Every year, collisions on Westside Road claim lives -- and North
Westside Fire Rescue Chief Wayne Carson is a first responder at many
of them.
"It can be a dangerous road. It's fairly narrow, there's small
shoulders, areas where there are no shoulders -- there's areas where
there are no shoulders and no guard rails," says Carson.
Carson says problems often arise when weather, wildlife and
dangerous driving are added to the mix.
When the unexpected happens on the roadway, Carson says the first
instinct is to swerve.
"There are areas on Westside Road where there is no where to
swerve."
Often, the choice is between a rock wall or an embankment plummeting
to Lake Okanagan below.
"We've got some really deep spots close in along the shoreline and
if you go off in the wrong spot, you've got some serious problems
for sure."
Carson says the onus is on the drivers -- not the design of the
road.
"There's just so few spots where you can legally pass, but there are
pullouts and they're there for a reason. If you've got traffic
building up behind you, use the pullout, let them go by. Otherwise
or they'll try and pass you in a bad spot and you'll all be involved
in an incident nobody wants to go through."
Inexperienced drivers should avoid Westside Road, he says --
likening it to a first-time skier attempting a black diamond run.
And Carson says if this summer's RBC Gran Fondo Kelowna cycling
event is approved for Westside Road, vehicle and cyclist traffic
will increase even more.
"It's such a beautiful road and you're going to be hard pressed to
not come out and run it."
In a letter to Castanet, Westside Road resident Jill Clark says
allowing the Gran Fondo event would not be a good idea.
"This road is barely wide enough for the existing traffic, and many
motorists 'shave' the corners. All of this makes for deadly road
conditions without adding thousands of cyclists and reducing the
road to one lane," says Clark.
"Westside Road is simply not a safe or viable route."
okanaganlakebc.ca: notice the sequence of
events below... Town Hall meeting held April 28, 2011 after the April 7, 2011
Governance and Services and Regional District of Central Okanagan Board
meetings?
April 28, 2011 Town Hall Meeting with Director Jim Edgson
There wasn't a large turnout, but a few people showed up.
There was coffee and donuts as per the usual.
What you see is about the extent of the cars in the parking lot after the
meeting had already started. There wasn't a car parked in the parking lot
on the left that you can't see in this photo, and when we arrived last we found
a parking spot next to the castle at the very top.
Director Jim Edgson talked about the Bear Creek Boat Launch being
permanently closed and removed. The land where the existing boat launch is
located, is actually leased from Tolko, so they are looking at relocating the
boat launch to within Bear Creek Park and will try to have the Provincial
Government pay for it too. Director Edgson said that he had some people
enquire from West Kelowna concerned about the Bear Creek boat launch closing.
Director Edgson said he waded out into the water at the existing boat launch and
its too shallow there for larger boats.
The North Westside Road Fire Chief also spoke at the meeting about the Fire Boat
budget. North Westsider's will likely see the Fire Boat in operation before the Fire
Truck that Westsider's paid for by referendum on their property taxes for 5
years. Director Edgson said they are trying to delay the Fire Truck
purchase because as soon as the new truck goes into service its life starts
ticking and the old truck is still in good shape. The life of a Fire Truck
is 20 years Director Edgson told us, but they are trying to stretch this trucks
life to 30 years. As long as the fire rating for fire insurance is not
affected they are trying to delay the purchase of the new Fire Truck so that our
Fire Trucks useful life lasts as long as possible.
At the Town Hall meeting, locals were concerned about the GranFondo Bicycle
Event being held along Westside Road July 16, 2011. One local
suggested the event start at 5am - 6am because its hot in the summer and this
would help make it safer for cyclist with less vehicles on the road.
Another suggestion was to close the road for 1 hour and have all the cyclists
ride Westside Road in a group together and in one hour. Not sure the last
suggestion would fly, but we do like the first suggestion. Another local
said having bicyclists ride Westside Road is too dangerous and should not be
attempted at all. Think he said he was a truck driver? Can you
imagine a big truck going one way and a vehicle going the other and meeting up
with cyclists on a corner?
GranFondo Bicycle Event July 16, 2011
For more info about the GranFondo bicycle ride along Westside Road or to sign up
click here,
look for the business card with contact info or check out their website
www.RBCGranFondoKelowna.com
July 16, 2011 GranFondo Event
GranFondo wants everyone traveling south along Westside
Road on July 16, 2011 to travel before 9:00am or after 3:00pm for their
bicycle event we heard in the audio of the April 7, 2011 Governance and
Services Committee Meeting. Westside Road will be closed southbound to
Kelowna.
There will be no restrictions for anyone heading North.
GranFondo is a 142 km total distance bicycle ride around Okanagan Lake BC.
GranFondo want to close off 67km's of the South bound lane on Westside Road from
9am - 3pm July 16, 2011 thru the OKIB reserve and all.
Director James Baker brought up the point about Friends of Fintry having their
BC Parks 100th Anniversary event that same day and said he hopes
that the professional traffic control people that were hired by GrandFondo will
allow people to get to Fintry Park celebrations and keep them there.
Friends of Fintry are not exactly thrilled. See
letter below.
May 2, 2011 we found this letter from Friends of Fintry at the counter in La
Casa store in regards to the GranFondo Bicycle Event being held July 16, 2011
along Westside Road at the same time as Friends of Fintry Provincial Park 100th ANNIVERSARY. Friends of Fintry are not impressed. Read the letter.
Residents are increasingly upset over what they see as the lack of
action on Westside Road.
The Ministry of Transportation met recently with the public to
discuss windy and narrow Westside Road and long-term plans for
improvements.
“There was a fair amount of frustration from the audience about
things not happening,” said Jim Edgson, Central Okanagan Regional
District director.
“People would like to see the road fixed in a way that’s safe to
travel.”
The
ministry has identified 12 sections of the road between Bear Creek
in the south and north Fintry where possible work, such as
realignment, could occur.
“There is still a lot of work to be done to define projects,” said
Murray Tekano, district manager.
Among the steps that must still be done before
any projects are finalized are environmental and geotechnical
assessments and consultation with First Nations.
Nine locations have also
been identified for sites where slow moving vehicles can pull over.
Eventually potential improvements from Fintry to Highway 97, near
O’Keefe Ranch, will also be determined.
There are no timelines for
any upgrades to occur, and a determining factor will be finances.
“We will be prioritizing them and how funding will be allocated
based on the priorities,” said Tekano.
“Each year we hope to do some work on Westside Road.”
Edgson says the pull-outs are new, but most of
the other information from the ministry has been heard before.
“This is the first time they’ve shown there is a plan and explained
it to the people,” he said.
“But the timing is not clear and that’s a source of frustration for
people. I personally want to see a plan with times.”
Until major improvements occur, Edgson is concerned that motorists
will continue to be at risk.
“We understand they have to deal with budgets and Westside Road is
not a priority for the ministry, but it’s a priority for the people
who travel the road,” he said.
Westside Road meeting with the MLA and Ministry of Transportation at La Casa
Resort was a Director Item, so nothing was mentioned in the Highlights about it.
-------------------------------------------
March 21, 2011 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting .mp3 (165
MB)
I have not dealt with roads,
because quite frankly, our community has found the Ministry of Transportation
has done their job very well.
source
