A roundabout in Coldstream remains a distant possibility, and only as a last resort.
Debate has been going in circles over the past few months over the potential of a roundabout at the Kalamalka and Kidston road intersection.
“Nothing needs to be done at this time, it’s adequate,” said Mayor Jim Garlick.
Now the focus is on preparing a shelf-ready design for the future (10 to 20 years from now) potential need for a roundabout as well as upgrading the creek crossing.
“Those who fail to plan, plan to fail,” said Coun. Richard Enns of the need to do the study, which some councillors are not in favour of.
Coun. Doug Dirk adds: “If we were to put this aside or bury it for now, it would not be responsible.
“You can’t say that there won’t be a need for the future.”
The study could cost the district up to $10,000, while a $10,000 grant will be utilized to make up the remaining cost.
“When we have to deal with the culvert we may be forced into dealing with the intersection at the same time,” said Trevor Seibel, director of financial administration.
Councillors Maria Besso and Gyula Kiss are opposed to the plan.
“It’s a rouse,” said Besso, noting declining school enrollment that she doesn’t foresee increasing to the point of creating traffic problems at the intersection.
Kiss, who has lived on Kidston Road since 1976, agrees. “If we’re going to need something in 20 years we can always revisit it in 20 years and that way someone else is paying for it.”
