Construction of a new off-highway hiking and biking path between West sa国际传媒 and Peachland has been accelerated with new provincial and federal funding.
Additional support of up to $500,000 from Victoria will see the 2.8 km connection between the south end of Goats Peak regional park in West sa国际传媒 and Buchanan Road in Peachland finished by late May.听
The project earlier received $770,000 to begin work on the path. Construction started last fall and proceeded through most of the winter.听
鈥淭his is a very special project because it not only connects the two communities of Peachland and West sa国际传媒 with a safe, multi-use pedestrian and cycling pathway, but it is also a critical link in the multi-use pathways that are connecting communities from the North Okanagan to the South Okanagan,鈥 says Peachland Mayor Patrick Van Minsel.听
Views along the new path will be spectacular, with vistas stretching south to Rattlesnake Island and north to sa国际传媒sa国际传媒 southern suburbs. But future cyclists should be prepared for a steep ascent, as the path will have an elevation gain of about 120 metres over its relatively short duration.听
For a stretch, the new path runs right along the side of busy Highway 97, but cyclists and walkers will be protected from the traffic not only by the standard concrete shoulder barriers but by new fencing placed along the top of the barriers.听
Theresa国际传媒 also fencing on the other side of the path, as there is a sharp drop-off down toward Okanagan Lake.听
In another section, the path will include a bikeway along Drought Road.听
鈥淲e are so pleased the province sees how important this project is for our community, and also the Government of Canada, through these active transportation grants,鈥 Van Minsel said.听
An official opening ceremony will occur in May with the date still to be determined.听
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