City’s demands get shot down

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff May 16 2007

Coldstream’s mayor is unwilling to hand over a cheque to Vernon for a major road expansion project that benefits his residents. The City of Vernon is linking the two sections of Middleton Way so there is a single route off the mountain. As part of the project, it is asking the District of Coldstream to pick up part of the estimated $2.1 million cost. But Gary Corner, Coldstream’s mayor, doesn’t see that happening. “We’ve been asked before. Personally, I am not a big fan of putting Coldstream tax money into Vernon,” he said. It’s believed that about 50 per cent of the motorists using Middleton Way are from Coldstream, but Corner points out that Vernonites use Coldstream roads and the city doesn’t contribute any money towards them. “Where do you draw the line?” he said.

Demands for Coldstream’s participation come primarily from Vernon Coun. Barry Beardsell. “They should come up to the plate on this. It is time for them to co-operate with us,” he said. Beardsell isn’t sure how the city can exert pressure on Coldstream. “We could put up a toll, but we don’t want to go there,” he said. Coun. Pat Cochrane cautioned Beardsell to back off his toll both comments because Vernonites use Coldstream roads to access Kal Beach and other amenities. “Everyone loses when you take that direction,” said Cochrane. Cochrane and Coun. Patrick Nicol opposed sending a request to Coldstream. “The question has been asked and answered (by Coldstream) on three occasions. I am not sure if there is any point asking again,” said Cochrane.

As part of the project, the city has purchased property from DCT Chambers Trucking and Aerial Contractors so the two sections of the road can be connected. Waddington Drive, which is currently used to access Middleton Mountain, will be turned into a cul-de-sac. The goal is to improve traffic flow and safety. About 5,000 vehicles a day use Middleton Way and Waddington Drive. “This project gets rid of the really sharp turn,” said Jeremy Kinch, the city’s manager of planing, engineering and development services. Construction will begin in about July or August, with the new section of road being open by Oct. 31. The existing section of Middleton Way, from 11th Avenue to Highway 6, will also eventually be upgraded.