Kelowna city staff have been given the green light to proceed with a developer that wants to build what’s known as the South Perimeter Road at the far south end of the city.
On Monday, council was told public support for the project – which would be paid for up front by the developer and than be reimbursed over several years by the city — appeared strong despite the fact it means the completion of other road projects at the area may have to be pushed back.
City community services director John Vos said a survey conducted by the city showed 64 per cent of respondents support building the South Perimeter Road now and 62.5 per cent respondents at city open house that attracted 300 people also like the idea of moving ahead early.
The developer wants to build the road so it can develop land it has in the area. The road was not supposed to be build, according to city plans, until there were at least 3,400 housing units in the area. Currently there are just 2,400 and that number is growing by about 100 per years. So the road was not expected to be build for at least 10 years, said Vos.
He said the idea of the developer proving the upfront costs for the $7.3 million project and being reimbursed over several years is a first for Kelowna.
Vos said the survey also showed a large majority (82 per cent) feel the main roads in the Mission are either at, or over, capacity now. It is hoped building the South Perimeter Road will take some pressure off other main roads in the south Mission.
The aim is to build the road within the next year or two.
It would be build to a two-lane, rural standard, with gravel shoulders and a a bike lane,vadded Vos.
