Premier backs Stickle reversal

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted May 24, 2015 at 1:00 AM
B.C.’s premier insists the Ministry of Transportation was right to abandon controversial plans for a dangerous Vernon intersection. Christy Clark says she is well aware of the opposition from residents, local leaders and businesses to preventing left-turns on to Highway 97 from Stickle Road. “I’ve heard it loud and clear from (MLA) Eric Foster,” said Clark, who was at Predeator Ridge Resort for a Liberal Party event Thursday. “He’s done a diligent job of expressing the concerns of constituents.” The Ministry of Transportation had proposed only allowing right-in, right-out movements at the intersection to reduce the risk of accidents. However, many businesses along the Swan Lake corridor indicated that would drive away customers and there was a concern from residents that it would make it difficult for them to access the highway. “They (ministry) will rework the plan and come back with something people want,” said Clark. “People will get a chance to see the plan.” Residents, businesses and community politicians are lobbying for a traffic signal at the intersection.

On another matter, the Regional District of North Okanagan board wants the provincial government to restrict access to watersheds and increase enforcement. There have been recent problems with off-road vehicles on the Grizzly, Aberdeen, Haddo and King Edward dams, which serve Greater Vernon. “It’s something we’re concerned about across the province,” said Clark, adding that she is interested in discussing the issue further with the regional district. Clark’s trip to the North Okanagan comes at the same time that the NDP has taken the reins of power in Alberta and the federal NDP are topping the polls in B.C. However, Clark says she doesn’t believe those scenarios reflect on the provincial political scene. “I haven’t taken seriously a single poll since May 2013 (election) when they were proven to be wrong,” she said. “Voters make their own decisions and they make it on election day. Government decisions should be driven by the principles we believe in and that has nothing to do with polling.”