Kal plan drives debate

by Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star posted Jul 25, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Despite no immediate work planned, changes to boundaries in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park are driving concern. The Ministry of Transportation has applied to B.C. Parks to change the boundary of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park to create a 30-metre wide right of way around the existing road that runs through the park. “Currently, there is no right of way on this road,” states the ministry. “This boundary adjustment would allow the road to be maintained, and improved if necessary, by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure under its authority under the Transportation Act.” But, “there are no plans to improve the road at this time.” Public consultation on the ministry’s application is planned for later this fall. Coldstream officials question the plan. “I’m not in favour of the proposed road dedication,” said Coun. Richard Enns. “The 30-metre right of way that is proposed is excessive in my view and I think the proposed improvements will make the road less safe because it will increase traffic and the speed of the traffic. “The plan will have an overall negative impact on the park.” The road is approximately 4.5 kilometres long and connects between Cosens Bay Road in the District of Coldstream to the existing public road right of way in the North Okanagan Regional District. It also provides access to the cabin colony, where Alice Klim resides. Kilm, along with other cabin residents, have been pushing for improvements to the road and the area. Road safety concerns helped Cosens Bay Road gain the third spot in the BCAA Worst Roads survey. The Electoral Area Advisory Committee was also approached last September by Klim with a request to extend electricity to the area. “Why should the private property owners not be able to bring power to their homes when there is a huge right of way with power lines running through the park now?” said Klim. “Cosens Bay property owners pay a lot of taxes and get nothing for services.” She points to similar spots, such as Okanagan Park, which have paved, two-lane roads for recreational users and residents like. “Why should bikers and hikers have to breathe dust when this could be eliminated?”