Residents tell council to fix existing problem before development makes it worse

PENTICTON – Neighbours of a proposed development property raised existing traffic and parking issues with council, and said it’s a problem that needs to be dealt with now rather than later.

Neighbours who came forward during a public hearing Monday night said they are pro-development but are concerned about the increase in traffic the new properties would bring to the neighbourhood, which already has a congestion problem.

The development at 801 Ontario Street is for a double duplex, meaning there will be two duplexes (four units in total) on one property. One duplex faces front on Ontario Street and the other faces back, to the alley.

Residents asked council and staff to look at ways to fix existing problems so that they aren’t looking at a big mess when the development is complete.

The back alley has “become a thoroughfare to avoid the congestion at the lights,” said Michael Hill, an Ontario Street resident.

The development borders Hill’s property, and he said he is supportive of the plans, but there needs to be a “residents’ vehicles only” sign to reduce traffic. He also said the street is a major footpath for pedestrians and there needs to be a sidewalk.

The development doesn’t “trigger” upgrades, such as sidewalks, but council asked staff that measures be put in place to deal with the growing parking and traffic issue on Ontario Street.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Meaghan Archer at marcher@infotelnews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.