The City of Penticton is beginning work on an overhaul of its transportation system and is seeking the input of residents.
The city is striving to create a transportation system that “supports all ages, abilities, and modes of transportation” that also meets environmental objectives and uses infrastructure wisely.
Work is getting underway on the 2020 transportation master plan which will identify all of the projects needed in the next five, 10, 15 and 25 years to move Penticton towards the vision for a “complete transportation approach” described in the 2019 Official Community Plan.
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City engineer Ian Chapman said the goal is to find a healthy balance between traditional and modern, more environmentally friendly modes of transportation.
“Through the creation of the official community plan, residents told us they want to see Penticton balance support for the car with more emphasis on active modes of transportation and transit because of the significant social, environmental, economic and health benefits,” said Chapman. “The Transportation Master Plan will identify what we need to do to achieve this balance and make all of our transportation systems safe, enjoyable, convenient and practical.”
The city is working with a transportation consultant to develop the plan but local knowledge of Penticton’s transportation systems is key to the plan’s success.
Residents are invited to participate in the plan’s development beginning with the identification of problem intersections and routes.
Residents can go to shapeyourcitypenticton.ca and use the mapping tool to mark safety concerns and congestion as well as opportunities to improve connections for walking, biking and transit and more.
“With this plan, we can gradually make it safer and easier for people who walk, bike, bus, and drive in Penticton,” said Mayor John Vassilaki. “This will mean some adjustments to how we are used to getting around. We encourage residents to be open to the changes that come with this direction. It is the right thing to do for the health of our citizens and our environment today and for the future.”
The city will collect input through shapeyourcitypenticton.ca until Aug. 30.
It is also possible to provide input in person at the engagement kiosk at City Hall. The information gathered will be used to identify and prioritize the projects in the transportation master plan. Residents will have the opportunity to view the results and recommendations this fall.
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