By JENNIFER DYCKMorning Star StaffJul 12 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Current construction on Kalamalka Road has triggered an investigation into the future of Coldstream’s town centre. Urban Systems is preparing to report back to council in approximately one month with a future look at Kalamalka Road, including its Aberdeen Road intersection. “The sewer work has definitely pushed this review, you’ve got services coming which are going to attract development,” said Erica Farnsworth, Urban Systems transportation engineer. With direction from the Official Community Plan, the Major Roadway Network Plan and the Coldstream Town Centre Plan, more detail will be addressed. “The previous work was good but it was higher level planning only,” said Farnsworth. “We’re going to take these broad ideas and turn them into concepts.” Left turning lanes at the Kalamalka and Aberdeen Road intersection are one such plan within a five to 10-year horizon. “The left turning volumes are expected to be quite high in the future,” said Farnsworth. The report will look into the impacts these lanes would have on neighbouring properties, nearby roads and identify property requirements and the ultimate intersection configuration. The town centre area, or “heart” of the community, will also be looked at in terms of keeping a rural feel, providing safe routes for pedestrians and bicyclists, and how to carry traffic through the centre. “Do we want to focus on just getting people through or do we want to slow them down and provide access?” questioned Farnsworth. There is also an option for “bookends” surrounding the centre. “It can be something as big and eye-catching as a roundabout or even just signage.” The report will pull together options for these components in an attempt to get the ball rolling on work and detailed planning. With the current work on Kalamalka Road for the water and sewer main installations, the district is also doing whatever it can now to accommodate plans while the road is dug up.
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