An artist's rendition of what Westminster Avenue in Penticton could look like if ideas from the North Gateway Development design are adopted.

Image Credit: City of Penticton

Motorists travelling south on Highway 97 from Kelowna will soon notice a much more inviting entrance when they roll into Penticton, as long as the proposal to redevelop the city’s north end comes to fruition.

Council is optimistic about giving that part of the city a facelift – with plans to ease the flow of motorists into downtown, create safer and more attractive pathways for walkers and cyclists, and develop a festival boulevard. Planning on the North Gateway Development design began at the start of 2021, and council was given an update during its regular meeting on Oct. 5. 

Mayor John Vassilaki referred to the plan as a dream, but said there’s nothing wrong with having big dreams.

“That dream is going to bring wealth to the community, prosperity to the people that live around that area and those that own properties that want to develop those properties to make Penticton what the previous generations have done to Penticton up to the present time,” Vassilaki said.

The design recommends improving the flow of traffic into downtown via Westminster Avenue, as well as beautify the route.

“It’s going to be absolutely stunning once everything gets done and it will make a spectacular entrance to the downtown area,” Coun. Katie Robinson said.

Another proposal is the creation of a multi-use trail along Highway 97. Currently the road and sidewalk are right beside each other.

READ MORE: Major redevelopment proposed for former Kampe property in Penticton

Separating motorists from trail users will reduce the danger that exists for walkers and cyclists, Robinson said, adding that it’s refreshing to see planners with a new way of thinking.

“Ever since I can remember as a child, sidewalks were always right beside the road and that’s where we expect it,” she said.

It’s normal for average citizens to look at this project and wonder, “Is this actually achievable?” Coun. Julius Bloomfield said. “I think it is achievable,” he said. "(But it’s) going to take some bold moves and some continued commitment from this council and future councils.”

Council. Judy Sentes asked if the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will need to be involved for the portion involving Highway 97.

“The Ministry has been involved and will be critical to the success,” said Anthony Haddad, general manager of community services at the City of Penticton.

Sentes reminded Haddad about the construction of the South Okanagan Events Centre – which is part of the redevelopment area – and how an exit to the parking lot was built on the south side, but the Ministry did not allow traffic to flow directly onto the highway, so the exit remains blocked off. Opening that route would ease congestion after Vees games and other events.

Sentes asked Haddad to see if the Ministry may have had a “change of heart” on the matter since the arena opened in 2008.

A drawing of the proposed Festival Boulevard from the North Gateway Development design.

Image Credit: City of Penticton

Regarding the festival boulevard, Haddad called it a really interesting opportunity that can make better uses of inefficient roadways, and will celebrate the history of that area by “continuing to memorialize teams and sports that contributed so much to our community.”

The design was drafted by a group of about 50 people – 45 attended in person and five or six people participated online. The next step in the process is to engage the greater population for public consultation.

READ MORE: Penticton to spend 250K for 'end of pandemic' big show at SOEC

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