Butt-tossers the target of West Kelowna sign campaign

WEST KELOWNA – With fire season underway, West Kelowna city councillors are putting out a reminder of the dangers of tossing lit cigarettes from vehicles.

“I can’t believe in this day and age with the fire issues we have that people are still flicking their butts out the window,” Coun. Rick de Jong said. “If it stops one fire, it’s paid for the whole thing and a whole bunch more.”

The city will spend just under $3,000 to install six, four-foot by four-foot reflective signs.

Signs will be installed at West Road North, Campbell Road, Glenrosa Road, Gellatly Road South, Elliot Road and Paynter Road.

Staff have also asked the Ministry of Transportation for permission to put up signs along Highway 97 and have contacted neighbouring communities asking the consider putting them up as well.

The report by executive coordinator Rebecca Narinesingh notes its of particular importance to involve the Westbank First Nation which has its two main reserves on the west side of Okanagan Lake.

The brightly-coloured signs warn violators of a $1,000 fine for infractions.

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