Regional district celebrates pedestrians, transit

PENTICTON – The regional district kicked off July by celebrating a new community walkway and showing its appreciation for ridership on the South Okanagan Transit system.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen held an official ribbon cutting ceremony on Canada Day with local political dignitaries and a handful of Kaleden residents.

In a regional district release, the regional district says the two-kilometre, $600,000 walkway provides a multi-purpose walking and biking route connecting the the Kaleden lakeshore with Highway 97.

Kaleden resident Kim Denis provided the original impetus behind the project when she spearheaded a petition for the paved walkway, citing safety reasons. As Kaleden’s main thoroughfare, the roadway was described as 'narrow, heavily used and outdated.'

Area 'D' Director Tom Siddon calls the project 'much needed and long awaited,' noting the walkway will provide a safe alternative to residents using their vehicles within the community.

At a previous town hall meeting held in the community in June, Siddon said he was aware of some criticisms of the project, noting some residents complained it was hard to distinguish the walkway edge from the roadway, as both surfaces were asphalt. Others complained of having drainage issues with gravel being washed onto their driveways since the project was completed. He said the regional district would continue to work to resolve the issues, but thought overall the community was pleased with the project.

In other transportation matters, the regional district is also hosting a South Okanagan Transit Rider Appreciation Day on Monday, July 6.

As a thank you to regional residents choosing sustainable transportation in using the region’s bus services, South Okanagan Transit is inviting riders to coffee, treats and a chance to view a new transit bus at three designated points along the route:

– Osoyoos , 8701 Main St., from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
– Oliver, at the bus stop on Main Street, from 2 – 3 p.m.
– Kaleden Community Hall, 320 Lakehill Road,  from 4 – 5 p.m.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.