A drive from Kelowna to Enderby for lunch earlier this month gave provincial transportation minister Mary Polak a chance to see two Highway 97A issues facing the Township of Spallumcheen.
One is the entrance to McLeod subdivision, which currently has a flashing amber light but no northbound left-turn lane into the subdivision.
The other is the entrance to the Log Barn where, again, there is no left-turn lane for northbound traffic.
Mayor Janice Brown and Coun. Joe Van Tienhoven had a chance to address the issues with Polak and some of her staff following a luncheon in Enderby.
“They didn’t blow us off and they’re serious about having an open house here, so it was well worth going there,” said Van Tienhoven. “The more we approach them about it, the more they stay aware of it. The only fear is if the (provincial) election changes things and we have to start at square one.”
Van Tienhoven got an answer he wasn’t too thrilled to hear when he asked about putting in a temporary traffic light at McLeod subdivision to go along with the potential four-laning of Highway 97A to Enderby.
Van Tienhoven said the ministry was open to putting their support behind an alternative solution to getting in and out of the subdivision that would require having land taken out of the Agricultural Land Commission.
A proposal for such a plan is on the books before the township, but ALC would be required to build an alternate access in and out of McLeod.
“The minister and planners understand the issues and are very well aware we want some solutions until the highway is four-laned,” said Van Tienhoven.
“The meeting with the minister was very worthwhile, and she was open to our comments,” added Brown.
The ministry has proposed holding an open house in the township so it can meet with residents to hear more of their concerns.
