Council to ask for traffic cameras

After RCMP report, councillors vote to ask for Hwy 97 help

SUMMERLAND — Following a report by the commander of the Summerland RCMP detachment, council is taking steps to make travel along Highway 97 safer.

Traffic safety within municipal boundaries was among the issues discussed by Sgt. Terry Faulkner at Monday morning’s committee of the whole meeting.

At the evening meeting, council unanimously approved the recommendation that the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure be requested to install red light cameras and photo radar at Highway 97 intersections within the district.

“The intersection with Solly Road is quite a concern. This (recommendation) is the only way we can try to mitigate the problem,” said Mayor Peter Waterman.

The money originating from traffic fines is shared by the province with municipalities on a pro-rated basis, explained chief administrative officer Linda Tynan.

In 2017, Summerland received $59,511 from traffic fines, down from $61,858 in 2016, according to director of finance David Svetlichny.

Council also approved a recommendation to install jersey barriers along Highway 97 south of Sunoka Provincial Park, to separate the highway from the Okanagan Lake.

Jersey barriers are concrete blocks that separate lanes of traffic or prevent vehicles from entering unsafe areas adjacent to roads.

“This is the only section that does not have a barrier. I know of a van that went into the lake, fortunately with no fatalities,” said Coun. Erin Trainer.