New cycling trail will roll through vineyards of West Kelowna

Non-motorized traffic, as well as e-bikes, may soon be able to roll through the vineyards of the Westside Wine Trail in West Kelowna.

Council will be told of the city's recommended projects list at a regular meeting on May 10, and that includes $3.9 million for a multi-use pathway project along Boucherie Road. It is proposed to be three metres wide, stretch for 2.5 kilometres from Green Bay Road to Ogden Road, and run through the Quail’s Gate Winery and Hatch Winery vineyards.

The project would reinforce the Westside Wine Trail, a group of popular wineries in the area.

The section of pathway that would take users through the local vineyards is between Gregory Road and Green Bay Road. That phase of the project is expected to begin this summer, be completed by the end of 2022 and cost $1.3 million.

The other half of the project is slated to begin in 2023, from Ogden Road to Gregory Road. It would see new curbs, gutters and drainage system, and street lighting along with a three-meter multi-use path beside Boucherie Road.

It comes with a price tag of $2.6 million.

“As a popular route for locals and visitors, (Boucherie Road) includes several wineries, breweries and dining destinations,” according to the staff report.

With such a high volume and variety of traffic, “it is imperative that the safety of the public is prioritized. Creating a safe corridor for the users is a priority.”

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