Detailed bike lane design to start with downtown consultation

Council will hear an update at their meeting on December 8 on the approach to complete the detailed design of the lake-to-lake all ages and abilities bike lane. The next phase of the project will see detail design for Section 4 which runs along Martin St. in the downtown and Section 3 that runs along Fairview Road.

“There were a number of concerns raised about running the route in the downtown and the potential impact to businesses along Martin St, and a number of solutions have been brought forward by the community,” says Anthony Haddad, Penticton’s General Manager of Community Services which includes the City’s economic development. “Staff have identified some potential options to help mitigate issues that have been identified during the process that we are ready to discuss more formally with the affected businesses and residents.”

One-on-one meetings with affected businesses are already underway. Based on these discussions, staff are considering hosting workshops to involve affected businesses and stakeholders in the final design of the route in affected sections. Once the detailed design is complete, staff will return to Council for direction before construction proceeds.

“Early next year, we will also learn about the outcome of our grant request and will be able to provide Council with more information on funding options before a decision is made on how to proceed,” says Haddad. If the grant is successful and with the completion of the detailed design on the northern sections, construction could begin as early as this spring and will avoid construction during the busier summer season. Depending on the outcome of this next phase, staff will bring forward options to complete the detailed design for the remaining two sections at a later date.

“Council is very interested in receiving staff’s update on December 8. This next phase should help to answer some of the bigger questions that still remain on the lake-to-lake route,” says Penticton Mayor John Vassilaki. “We’re hopeful the one-on-one conversations getting underway will bring further understanding around the concerns raised by the downtown business community and move us closer to realizing the exciting vision for this cycling route that will be for use by all residents and visitors throughout the city.”