In 20 years you'll have to drive slower in Kelowna and wait longer at intersections | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Kelowna News

In 20 years you'll have to drive slower in Kelowna and wait longer at intersections

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KELOWNA - In 20 years Kelowna’s roads could be traffic nightmares as 50,000 more people crowd onto streets that are too expensive to widen.

That’s one key point out of a half dozen long-range plan updates that are going to Kelowna city council on Monday, Aug. 12.

They’re all part of a massive planning agenda that includes updates to the official community, transportation, culture and infrastructure plans all the way down to things like how to encourage developers to build more rental housing and how big water pipes to those buildings need to be.

All the plans are in early stages so they are thin on specific details and price tags, but here are some of the things residents will be asked to consider as public input will be gathered by the various city planning bodies.

TRANSPORTATION

If people want to keep driving – as it seems they will – 58 per cent of intersections covered by the transportation plan will be over capacity compared to 10 per cent today.

At a cost of $26 million per kilometre to widen roads in core commercial areas, such work likely won’t get done as more emphasis is put on transit, walking and cycling.

It’s predicted that the average speed you'll be able to drive will drop by 15 per cent as more than 21,000 more vehicles will be using Kelowna roads during the afternoon rush hour alone.

PARKS

As population growth will be concentrated in what the city calls "urban town centres" the price of land for parks will go up so larger parks outside those centres will be needed.

In order to get more parks closer to where people live, the city is looking at ideas like shared streets, green streets, pocket parks and rooftop parks

WATER

The city is still considering taking over irrigation districts but it also needs to build larger water mains and reservoirs.

SEWAGE

The sewage treatment plant won’t need upgrading or replacement until 2050 but sewer lines will need to be expanded and lift stations upgraded.

GARBAGE

The Glenmore landfill is good for 90 years but composting of sewage waste needs to be expanded or altered.

STORM DRAINAGE

Mill and Brandt Creeks will be the focus for flood control with a possible diversion channel from Mill Creek to Brandts Creek being built.


To contact a reporter for this story, email Rob Munro or call 250-808-0143 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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