Coldstream is on the lookout for some provincial assistance in keeping a popular viewpoint free of garbage, weeds and graffiti.
Coun. Doug Dirk recently took it upon himself to hack down some of the overgrown weeds at the Kal Lake lookout (off Highway 97).
“It is a destination and view that has branded both Kalamalka Lake and the Coldstream Valley for 70 years,” said Dirk, in correspondence with the Ministry of Transportation. “Tour buses, locals, travellers and tourists make it a regular stop to enjoy the views.”
The district is hoping the province can step up its maintenance of the area (since it is owned by the ministry).
“They look after the infrastructure they have (road and garbage cans),” said Michael Baker, Coldstream’s director of engineering services. “What they don’t do is any weed eating and they don’t remove any graffiti on any personal property such as signs.
“They’ve identified Kal Lake lookout as a layover or a pullout and not as a viewpoint.” Despite the fact that there are signs along the highway promoting the stop as a viewpoint.
Dirk told the ministry: “This location is both historically and functionally more than just a pull out.”
Coldstream is requesting a meeting with MLA Eric Foster to see if additional maintenance can be provided.
The cost for Coldstream staff to maintain the site has been estimated at $3,000/annually.
But if the district is going to look after the site, one councillor suggests getting the government to gift it over.
“This is such a focal point for the City of Vernon, Area B and Coldstream, it’s an entry point,” said Coun. Maria Besso, adding the Kalamalka Secondary graduates have a tradition of using the site for photos.
But taking over the site could cost the district even more.
“If we actually obtain that property, in the winter you have to send someone up there to plow it and right now the ministry plows it,” said Coun. Gyula Kiss.
