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'A lot of congestion, unhappy people': Independent review set for new-look Penticton corridor

On Tuesday, Sept. 1, Penticton City Council voted to consult an independent traffic engineering consultant about construction work at Green Avenue and Skaha Lake Road, responding to hundreds of resident complaints.
The intersection changes stem from the approved Safe Routes to School plan, which introduced lane reductions, concrete islands, and revised traffic signal operations to enhance pedestrian safety.
Council received 236 emails expressing evacuation and traffic concerns, while 44 emails supported the changes, with supporters urging the city to "prioritize student safety and proceed with the planned improvements."
Following the Bald Range wildfire that forced more than 20,000 residents to evacuate last month, Penticton secured $15,000 to update evacuation routes and $25,000 for a Crisis Communications and Public Notification Plan, described as "a critical component of any successful evacuation."
General manager of infrastructure Kristen Dixon noted that restoring the original four-lane configuration would cost between $150,000 and $200,000, with the independent consultant expected to present findings on Oct. 20.

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