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West Kelowna  

West Kelowna councillors appear supportive of vineyard pathway

Vineyard pathway a hit

West Kelowna city councillors appeared supportive of a multi-use pathway through vineyards along Boucherie Road, and construction is expected to begin later this year.

During Tuesday's council meeting, West Kelowna City Council heard a report about the proposed multi-use pathway through the vineyards of Quail's Gate and The Hatch wineries, that will eventually run from Ogden to Green Bay roads, along Boucherie Road.

The project is still in the development and design stage, and council has not yet voted to approve it.

The pathway is part of city staff’s active transportation recommended projects list, and councillors appeared largely supportive of the project during Tuesday’s comment period.

Councillor Stephen Johnston called the proposed pathway “really exciting” and “spectacular,” and praised the city’s staff for their work.

“I’m excited to get out there and use it in the next year here,” Johnston said.

Councillor Jason Friesen said he’s “extremely happy” with the proposed project.

“[I’m] grateful to those operators, Quail’s Gate and Jason Parks Customs, for helping us make this a reality,” Friesen said.

He also noted the wineries would not lose any production of grapes as a result of the project.

“Once designs are completed for the Boucherie Road Multi-use Pathway, we will have a better idea of construction timelines, which we hope will begin later this year," City of West Kelowna Director of Engineering and Public Works Allen Fillion told Castanet.

"Keeping the community informed is a priority as we confirm timing and a more comprehensive schedule.”

Construction of Phase 1 of the project, from Green Bay to Ogden roads, is expected to begin later this year, and be completed before the end of 2022.. Cost of Phase 1 is expected to be $1.3 million. All of the proposed 2022 work will take place in the wineries’ vineyards, and won’t cause any disruption to traffic on Boucherie Road.

Construction on Phase 2, from Ogden to Gregory roads, is expected in the spring of 2023, and will cost about $2.6 million.

Staff are currently working with the Agricultural Land Commission to get permission to construct the path through the vineyards.



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