Vernon receives $3 million for Kalamalka Lake Road improvements
The City of Vernon has received $3 million for road, crossing and multi-use path improvements along Kalamalka Lake Road.
Photo courtesy of the City of Vernon.
The project will add safer crossings and strengthen walking and cycling connections between East Hill and the Okanagan Rail Trail
VERNON — The City of Vernon will receive $3 million in federal infrastructure funding for transportation and safety improvements along Kalamalka Lake Road.
The project is expected to improve connections between East Hill, the Okanagan Rail Trail and businesses at the Shops at Polson. Planned work includes changes to the road layout, upgraded crossings and improvements to the area’s multi-use path network.
The city has not yet released a construction schedule or detailed project design. More information is expected later this fall.
Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming said the funding would help create safer and more convenient options for people travelling through the area.
“These improvements will enhance active transportation connections, renew critical infrastructure, and provide residents with safer, more convenient options to walk, cycle and travel throughout the city,” Cumming said in a city news release.
The money is being provided through the Strategic Priorities Fund under the federally funded Build Communities Strong Fund Community stream.
The program supports infrastructure and capacity-building projects that may be beyond the financial capacity of an individual local government.
Vernon’s project was among 54 projects included in a July 30 funding announcement from the federal and provincial governments and the Union of BC Municipalities.
The federal government is contributing more than $152.3 million toward the projects. Twenty-nine capital projects will share approximately $145.9 million, while 25 capacity-building projects will receive about $6.4 million.
British Columbia receives more than $326 million annually through the Build Communities Strong Fund Community stream. The Union of BC Municipalities administers the funding and distributes it through several programs, including the Community Works Fund and Strategic Priorities Fund.
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