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Lake Country Agreement For Pelmewash Parkway

Jul 18, 2017 | 6:46 AM

The District of Lake Country will soon own Pelmewash Parkway.

The old Highway 97 has been in the hands of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure since the bypass was built.

The District and government have now signed an agreement transferring ownership in 2018.

Lake Country Mayor James Baker says the road will be a significant public asset which will really define Lake Country.

District Council named the road “Pelmewash” in 2012 from a list of 160 unique names.

The following year Council endorsed a concept plan developed by a consulting team after a year of significant local public input.

The District’s Chief Administrative Officer,Alberto De Feo, says the can move on to the detail design phase.

He says “It will be great to see some of the community’s ideas given some real definition.”

Recreation opportunities and active transportation concepts like bike paths and walkways were key themes that emerged in the public consultation.

The road is seen as a very good complement to the section of Okanagan Rail Trail corridor through our community.

Through Official Community Plan surveying it was determined that one of the highest community issues was to increase access points to the waterfront for public use and parkland.

Matt Vader, Strategic & Support Services Manager, says “The initial work will involve roadway resurfacing and active transportation initiatives as the first phase of a multi-year project.”