Shannon Lake Neighbourhood Update

City of West Kelowna clearly states "No Overhead Power Lines".

At their June 23rd regular council meeting mayor and council announced their strong object to 100-foot steel monopoles and overhead transmission lines as part of BC Hydro's West Kelowna Transmission Project. Councillor Garrett Milsapp reinforced the councils concerns, "The scar it would leave on this community for years to come is irreversible." Mayor Milsom told Global news that, "the city has been advocating [for a secondary power line] since the city was incorporated in 2007 but we do not want overhead lines." Over 600 residents have signed a local petition and another 150 residents attended a city-hosted public hearing on May 26th to express concerns. BC Hydro responded to residents concerns in a report to council. A letter-writing campaign to BC-Hydro has been started. Location and installation decisions regarding the West Kelowna Transmission Project will be made later this summer.

Crossing lines at the Neighbours Convenience Store entrance

With the multi-use pathway, increase in e-bikes and pedestrian use, and the popular off-road trails adjacent to the sub-station, there is a lot of pedestrian traffic. Rob Hillis, Senior Manager of Engineering and Capital Projects, stated, "The annual line painting program has extended into July, and installation is anticipated to be completed later this month."

Ridge Place included in the Shannon Ridge Drive Resurfacing Project

Local residents, along with advocacy from the Shannon Lake Neighbourhood Association, successfully lobbied for the inclusion of Ridge Place in the Resurfacing Project along Shannon Ridge Drive. Following a review of the program budget, funding has been identified to include Ridge Place as part of the Phase 2 paving work on Shannon Ridge Drive.  The work is tentatively scheduled for the first week of August.  Confirmation and public notice will be provided closer to the work commencing.

Reestablishment of Shannon Ridge Drive / Upper Sundance Trail

As part of the City's Development Permit Agreement, the developer will establish a temporary pathway that connects the existing trail with Upper Sundance Drive.There are a few danger trees to remove and the developer’s’ Environmental Consultant was contacted to provide a recommendations for the danger tree removals. The City will continue to work with the developer to get this walkway reinstated.

"Welcome to Shannon Lake" Signage at Bartley Road Roundabout.

A banner was placed at the Asquith Drive roundabout last year with a second banner planned for the Bartley Road roundabout. Parks staff have advised that installation of the "Welcome to Shannon Lake" signage requires specialized equipment that the City does not currently have available, and a contractor will be retained to complete the work. This work is in the Parks department's work plan for this summer. 

Town Centre Revitalization Project Underway

City staff, along with several consultants, have entered into Westbank Urban Centre Revitalization design discussions with local businesses and residents. The city hosted a design workshop with local businesses and interest-holders in May. Public engagement has included an online survey as well as a workshop with neighbourhood associations. Additional opportunities for public engagement will occur throughout the summer. The Facebook group "Westbank Revitalization - Public Forum", as well as a WR-PF website, has been created to provide residents an opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas regarding a more welcoming, vibrant downtown environment.

The Shannon Lake Neighbourhood Association encourages SLNA members and residents to share this update with their neighbours and friends.