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District to ask for speed limit change

Change in highway speed limit at east end of town prompts concerns.
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The province’s new speed limit on the east end of Sicamous has been a concern for drivers and the chamber.

Responding to safety concerns, district council will be asking the province to change speed limits at the east end of town.

Last summer, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure changed speed limits – in many cases raising them – on highways throughout the province. Among these changes was an adjustment at the east end of Sicamous along the Trans-Canada Highway near Stadnicki Road, where the speed limit transitions from 60- to 100-km/h.

“What actually happened was it used to go from 60 to 80 to 100,” Sicamous chamber executive director Michelle Wolff explained at last week’s municipal council meeting. “Last September, Highways changed it from 60 to 100. The chamber has had a lot of comments and concerns about where that transition is… we’re just concerned that there’s going to be more chance for accidents this year.

“I don’t know why highways changed it last year… The request is to at least go back to what it was or make it better than what it was.”

Council recently received a letter from the ministry, inviting feedback on the local speed change.

Coun. Gord Bushell said the 100-km/h speed limit at Kerr Road was a challenge for the Eagle Valley Snowmobile Club. He suggested the 60-km/h be pushed out to Kerr, where a transition to 80 and 100 could begin.

“I’ve been asked by four residents out there about that speed limit,” said Bushell. “They’re concerned about the speed limit, so they would like to see it going back down to 60. Those are the residents on Kerr Road.”

Community planner Mike Marrs said he’s dealing with development applications for properties on Kerr and has been trying to get clearance from MOTI for some time.

“So we have to get their approval before any development can move forward,” said Marrs. “It’s taken quite a bit of time and we still don’t have it. This increase in speed has worsened the situation… now that they are willing to adjust, I think we should be seeking some adjustment that’s in the 60 or 70-km area further out.”

Council approved a motion suggested by Coun. Malcolm Makayev, that the district thank MOTI for the opportunity to provide input, and ask that the speed limit be set at 60-km/h to at least to Kerr Road, and that a transition begin from there.”

 



Lachlan Labere

About the Author: Lachlan Labere

Editor of the Salmon Arm Observer, Shuswap Market, and Eagle Valley News. I'm always looking for new and exciting ways to keep our readers informed and engaged.
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