By Sebastian Kanally
The town of Oliver will be applying for an additional grant to help pay for the installation of three pedestrian-controlled flashing crosswalk signs in Oliver.
Town council voted in favour of the motion on Nov. 3 to send an application to Vision Zero BC asking for $20,000 of the estimated $38,500 it will cost to purchase and install three sets of lights throughout the town.
The plan for these pedestrian controlled lights is to help improve road safety in Oliver, particularly for those not in motor vehicles. The report presented to council notes that it will support the mobility of all ages in the community and promotes active transportation.
One set of lights will be installed near South Okanagan Secondary School on the crosswalk at the intersection of Gala Street and Fairview Road.
The second location is the crosswalk at Rotary Beach on Lakeside Drive, and lastly the crosswalk at the intersection of Lakeside Drive and Lakeview Place.
The motion passed unanimously. Councillor Terry Schafer, who also sits on the Oliver Accessibility and Age Friendly Committee expressed his support, saying, “I think it is money well spent”.
The town agreed earlier this year in spring 2023 to budget for more of these pedestrian controlled lights to be installed annually.
