Vehicle access coming to Mt. Boucherie subdivision

A development company says it's committed to improving vehicle access to a controversial West Kelowna project.

Emil Anderson Construction says it will widen two existing lanes that lead to a 12-home subdivision on the lower slope of Mount Boucherie.

"(We) recognize that site access is a major concern of residents in the area," reads part of letter from the company to be considered Tuesday by West Kelowna city council.

The company says it will widen a lane next to Apple Way Boulevard to an average of 5.5 metres, and widen a lane that extends from Golden View Drive to an average of six metres.

Area residents have said the lanes are too narrow to support the expected volume of traffic to be produced by the new project, called Sunrise Pointe. However, access for the vacant site was approved in 1991 by the Ministry of Transportation, long before the City of West Kelowna came into being. City officials say the municipality risks inviting legal action if it simply blocked the project.

Council earlier this month deferred a decision on the necessary development permit.

Emil Anderson Construction's pledge to improve the condition of the existing lanes, although not required, came about as a result of further discussion between the company and municipal staff.