Shannon Lake Fall Update

After considerable delays, Phase 2 of the Shannon Lake Road Active Transportation Project is now complete with BC Hydro’s realignment of a power pole at the Tallus Ridge intersection. The project delivered new streetlights, a controlled crosswalk at Golf Course Estates Road, and a temporary sidewalk adjacent to the golf course. Funding was supported in part by surplus funds from earlier active transportation projects. The City of West Kelowna plans to upgrade the new sidewalk to a permanent facility once additional grant funding becomes available.

West Kelowna City staff are preparing to present the final draft of the Transportation Master Plan after three years of consultation with residents. The plan will be reviewed by city council and is available for public viewing at ourwk.ca/tmp. from Sept 22nd to Oct 10th. Residents are encouraged to take a look at the draft, which will guide the city in becoming more connected and accessible in the years ahead.

A Public Hearing on a proposed RC3 bylaw amendment will be held on October 7 at 5:00 p.m. in City of West Kelowna Council Chambers to discuss changes to the short-term rental policy. Several RC3-zoned areas within Shannon Lake could be affected by the amendment. The public is invited to participate either in person, by phone, or through written submission. (Click here)

The SLNA will be hosting two Old Town Hall Meetings. The first, on October 8 at 7:00 p.m., will focus on the Transportation Master Plan and neighbourhood developments, with Councillor Jason Friesen in attendance to listen and respond to resident concerns.

The second meeting, on October 15 at 7:00 p.m., will address provincial issues affecting the community, including traffic congestion on Highway 97 and the Bennett Bridge, as well as the need for power redundancy for West Kelowna and surrounding communities. MLA Macklin McCall will join this session. Attendance at both town halls is by invitation only, and residents interested in participating are encouraged to contact the SLNA at slna.org@outlook.com.

The SLNA is exploring the possibility of a Green Streets Program, a beautification initiative for Shannon Lake. In collaboration with the City of West Kelowna Parks Department and the Okanagan Xeriscape Association, the program would bring together a resident-led committee to plan, implement, and maintain selected green spaces along Shannon Lake Road. This would be similar to the successful Vancouver's Green Streets Program. We encouraged people to contact SLNA at slna.org@outlook.com for more information on how to get involved.

Shannon Ridge Drive Traffic concerns continue to be raised. Speed and the volume of traffic have increased as the road has become an urban arterial route, including transit service, despite being constructed to residential street standards. Residents should watch for an upcoming petition requesting the installation of traffic calming measures, such as speed tables, to address these concerns.

Interested in becoming a SLNA member or receiving regular SLNA updates? Go to shannonlake.org and sign up today.