Skip to content

Highway 3 bridge a speed bump for plans to motorize the KVR, says Princeton CAO

As summer draws to a close, municipal staffers are getting closer to finalizing a proposal for motorizing the KVR through town boundaries.
18361233_web1_atvsign

As summer draws to a close, municipal staffers are getting closer to finalizing a proposal for motorizing the KVR through town boundaries.

However, CAO Lyle Thomas told The Spotlight in an interview there have been some speed bumps along the way of considering the recommendations made by a special committee of council earlier this year.

In some respects “we are kind of working on a plan B,” said Thomas.

Related: Princeton trail committee shares recommendations on opening the KVR

The largest hurdle is the section of trail that goes underneath the bridge on Highway 3.

While the municipality has a tenancy for the trail, it does not include the bridge section, he said, and that detail needs to be addressed.

Shared use of the KVR was a significant issue in the 2018 municipal election. One of the present council’s first official acts was to strike a committee to make recommendations for opening the trail to motorized use.

Related: Fate of KVR in Princeton council’s hands

Those recommendations were released in May 2019 and staff has been studying them since, said Thomas.

The report from the committee stated that the KVR is the only route possible through town for ATVs and other off road vehicles.

It suggested widening the trail in places, to allow passing for all users, and implementing a 15 km speed limit.

The report also recommended crosswalk lights be installed at both ends of the tunnel, that can be operated by push buttons to allow walkers, cyclists and horseback riders to access the trail safely.

Thomas could not specify when staff will have a report ready for council to review.

Former councillor has harsh words for Princeton mayor and trail committee

To report a typo, email:
publisher@similkameenspotlight.com
.



andrea.demeer@similkameenspotlight.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.



Andrea DeMeer

About the Author: Andrea DeMeer

Andrea is the publisher of the Similkameen Spotlight.
Read more