By Tom Mark

New Rest Stop Open On Okanagan Connector

Feb 6, 2018 | 9:33 AM

The provincial government’s promised new rest stop on the Okanagan Connector has now opened.

The stop at the Loon Lake Interchange about 40 kilometres southeast of Merritt cost 4.2 million dollars to build.

It’s considered a modern “Class A” facility with running water and flush toilets.

There is separate parking locations for passenger, commercial and recreational vehicles, and a landscaped outdoor area with picnic tables.

Electric car charging stations will be installed this spring.

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The stop is one of 8 around the province that will feature free Wi-Fi.

Others are:

* Hunter Creek on Highway 1 – 11 kilometres west of Hope
* Bradner on Highway 1 – 53 kilometres east of Vancouver
* Cole Road on Highway 1 – 73 kilometres east of Vancouver
* The Last Spike on Highway 1 – 24 kilometres east of Sicamous
* Slim Creek on Highway 16 – 120 kilometres east of Prince George
* Mount Terry Fox on Highway 16 – six kilometres east of Tête Jaune
* Boulder Creek on Highway 16 – 53 kilometres west of Hazelton

Funding for the Loon Lake rest area and free Wi-Fi was provided by the ministry’s Rest Area Improvement Program. Since 2015, almost $10 million has been invested in rest-area enhancements throughout B.C.

“It is important for travelers to stay fresh and alert on long trips, and Loon Lake’s new rest area provides an option on the Okanagan Connector,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Claire Trevena. “Commercial truck drivers and travelers alike have told us they want more highway rest areas and improvements to the existing stops, and this one has amenities for all to benefit from when they need a break from the road.”

An interactive map, which features all provincial rest area locations, along with webcams and current road and weather conditions, can be found using the map tab at: DriveBC.ca

by Tom Mark