The City of Kelowna is attempting to combat traffic concerns surrounding a new Costco before the big box store is even built.

City council has approved the allocation of $500,000 from reserves in its 2021 budget to expedite improvements to the Highway 97 and Leckie Road intersection.

91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檇 be a shame if, on opening day, that intersection was not working that well,91裸聊视频� planning manager Ryan Smith told Kelowna city council during a Monday (April 19) meeting.

A traffic impact study showed challenges are already prevalent in the area and would be exacerbated by Costco91裸聊视频檚 introduction to the area, a concern residents of the area have long expressed.

91裸聊视频淚t was either improve it in the months ahead 91裸聊视频� Or be forced to improve it on potentially an even shorter timeline if there were major traffic volume concerns (after Costco opens),91裸聊视频� Smith said.

The project is estimated to cost $1.14 million and work could begin before the end of the year. Costco is kicking in $474,000, the city is committing $466,000 and the Ministry of Transportation is providing $200,000. However, if the project doesn91裸聊视频檛 happen before March 31, 2022, the province will cut its contribution to $150,000.

The city is looking to recuperate its portion of the cost through 91裸聊视频榣atecomer91裸聊视频� charges imposed on future developments on a large stretch of the Highway 97 corridor between Spall Road and McCurdy Road. The city said the investment should be recovered in approximately five years.

Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: michael.rodriguez@kelownacapnews.com

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