Summer bus service to lakeshore approved
Summer-only service to cost West Kelowna taxpayers $9,000
Beach-goers can hop a bus this summer to some of West Kelowna’s best waterfront parks. A summer-only transit service from Westbank to the lakeshore was approved this week, but not without some controversy. The new route, which will cost West Kelowna taxpayers $9,000, runs from downtown Westbank to Gellatly Bay, Willow Beach, the yacht club, the Cove Resort, Gellatly Nut Farm, and along Whitworth Road to a turnaround at Pebble Beach.
“My hope by doing this is that we can reduce traffic congestion down there,” Mayor Doug Findlater said. “More people may take the bus right down to the beach.”
Voting in favour of the route were Findlater and councillors Rusty Ensign, Carol Zanon, Bryden Winsby and Rosalind Neis.
Councillors Rick de Jong and Duane Ophus were opposed, saying there already is a transit service slightly farther north along Gellatly Road.
“This (new transit service) is a total waste of money, good grief,” Ophus said. “It’s a gorgeous walk. Walk it,” said de Jong. Although she supported the new route as a reasonable trial run, Neis predicted many residents of upscale Whitworth Road will not appreciate transit buses on their street.
“Yeah, you live in a $10-million house. But guess what? This is public access that we’re talking about,” Neis said. “Do they want to have a bus come down their road? Heck no. I’m sure they’ll be extremely upset.”
Neis told city staff to tell any Whitworth Roaders who complain about the new transit service to call her. Neis said she would be happy to “own” responsibility for the issue and take on the angry rich folk.