Economic development opportunities in Coldstream hinge on provincial co-operation.
District officials met with Transportation Minister Todd Stone to discuss the need to expedite the approval of access for Tolko Industries’ proposed expansion at the Lavington mill on School Road.
“With Pinnacle Pellet, we have been working with the ministry to ensure the necessary approvals are not delayed,” said Trevor Seibel, the municipality’s chief administrative officer.
“The economic impact of this project for our region is significant. We expect to have the ministry sign off very soon.”
Pressure was also put on the ministry to deal with access for the proposed Trintec commercial development on Highway 6, next to the Regional District of North Okanagan office.
“This is a project that has been in the works for many years,” said Seibel.
“We anticipate the ministry sign-off of the first phase very soon.”
Coldstream officials also asked for intersection upgrades at Highway 6 and King Edward Road.
“There are industrial lands available for development off King Eddy but some work is needed to the intersection,” said Seibel.
“We will continue working with the ministry to address these concerns.”
The other issue that was put before Stone was the Kalamalka Lake lookout.
“Council has lobbied the minister to redesignate the lookout from a pull-out to a rest stop,” said Seibel.
“Although the designation won’t be changing at this time, there will be increased maintenance such as mowing, sweeping, garbage pick-up and graffiti control. This will improve what is considered a crown jewel for Coldstream.”
