Debate over a Coldstream roundabout continues to go in circles while investigations continue into its possible future.
Coldstream has received a $10,000 grant towards the study of a potential roundabout at Kalamalka and Kidston roads.
“We do want to embark on some details designs for the roundabout but we won’t be getting it to the tender ready stage,” said Michael Stamhuis, Coldstream’s chief administrative officer.
But the idea of a roundabout has driven community debate over the need for the traffic measure, therefore other options will be investigated.
“It’s going to include an assessment of comparing a roundabout to the other options…doing nothing, a three-way stop or a traffic light.”
The idea of a roundabout was introduced in 2004 in a traffic plan which flagged the intersection as a potential for problems.
“We need to do something to improve it so motorists don’t get frustrated using the intersection,” said Stamhuis.
Traffic can be backed up along Kidston Road, primarily during the morning and after-school drop off/pick-up times.
While a problem has been identified, several Coldstream residents say it doesn’t warrant a roundabout.
“There’s some debate in terms of, ‘is there a problem?’” said Stamhuis. “We need to determine, ‘how big of a problem is it?’”
As part of the design study, traffic counts will be conducted to determine how the level of service has degraded since the 2004 traffic plan.
No solution is perfect, said Stamhuis, but if a roundabout proceeds it will be Coldstream’s first.
It is actually an option that would have been preferred at the Husband Road/College Way/Kalamalka Road intersection – where Coldstream’s first traffic light was installed two years ago.
“It’s actually quite an expense to operate the light there,” said Stamhuis.
While Coldstream has gained a $10,000 grant towards the study, the district will be contributing at least another $10,000, according to Stamhuis.
The study will also look at improving the crossing at Coldstream Creek, which is not conducive to small fish passage.
During last week’s committee of the whole meeting, Coun. Maria Besso attempted to scrap the study of a roundabout and decline the grant. But her motion was defeated.
