Road rush by developers could push South Perimeter to top of list
TRAFFIC RELIEF FOR THE MISSION?
KELOWNA — Kelowna city councillors have paved the way for the so-called South Perimeter Road to jump ahead of other roadways projects in the Mission by authorizing staff to accelerate its design and begin negotiations with property developers pushing for the project.
Property developers approached council in the fall about fast-tracking the proposal which would see a two-lane road connect Stewart Road West and Gordon Drive and would require the construction of a bridge over Bellevue Creek. The developers would pay up-front costs of $7.6 million which would in turn be recovered by development cost charges over a seven-year period. As well, the developers would waive the normal 15 per cent taxpayers usually pay towards new roads.
John Vos, director of corporate business ventures, told council Monday, Jan. 12 residents of the areas potentially affected by the new road—Crawford Estates, Kettle Valley and both Upper and Lower Mission—were surveyed in November and December. Vos said enough residents supported the concept to make it worth considering.
“There were a range of responses depending on where they lived and what their desires were,” he said. “Some people have been waiting patiently for Lakeshore Road and they want to see it finished. Crawford has concerns about speeding and noise."
Vos said original expectations were that part of the proposed road would not have been constructed until 2030 under current guidelines, which include both the number of residents and the capacity of local roads.
While council voted to push the proposal forward, Vos said it does not commit the city to anything other than negotiations at this point and council and area residents would see much more detailed information before a shovel breaks the ground.
To contact the reporter for this story, email John McDonald at jmcdonald@infotelnews.ca or call 250-808-0143. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
