Study reveals highs and lows of Osoyoos’ transportation network

A full assessment of the Town of Osoyoos’s transportation network shows numerous areas where improvement will be needed in the coming years, as well as ample opportunities to make infrastructure more accessible for all.

As part of the Town’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP), Council received a report during the February 10 Committee of the Whole (CoW) meeting from Director of Operational Services Tyler Madsen, along with a presentation from Urban Systems Limited. 

The presentation detailed all of the assessment work done by Urban Systems and project subcontractor Tetra Tech, for the TMP. The focus included reviewing the growth of Osoyoos and how that is affecting the existing infrastructure. 

The assessment was performed in August 2025, offering a glimpse of how adequately the network serves not just locals but visitors to Osoyoos as well. The results indicated several areas where the current transportation network is inadequate or needs extensive repair.

One example was roadways, where there was a nearly even three-way split among road conditions, using the standardized Pavement Condition Index, used in municipalities throughout North America. 

Just 38 per cent of roadways were marked as being in “Good” or “Satisfactory” condition, with 34 per cent of roads grading as “Poor” or “Very Poor”. The remaining 28 per cent of roads were rated as being in “Fair” condition.

Additionally, the road network was shown to have design flaws that inconvenience drivers and can be confusing or even potentially hazardous. Side roads in Osoyoos were noted as having poor sightlines, resulting in long wait times for turning, and sometimes “dangerous turning maneuvers”. 

Street signage in some areas was labelled as “inconsistent and unclear”, with lane markings also being deemed confusing at a select few intersections, notably ones with poor geometry.

Active transportation modes were also found to be lacking, with few options for cycling in terms of dedicated bike routes and limited walking beyond the Town Centre. Crosswalks that do exist outside the Town Centre also lack curb ramps for accessibility in multiple spots. 

Transit-wise, the BC Transit route from Osoyoos to Penticton was noted as being limited in the service it provides, only operating twice on weekdays and not at all on weekends.

The Town Centre was not spared from critique, either. In addition to the side-street issues, the fluctuating traffic volume depending on the season poses a challenge on its own. 

Angled parking also presents a “conflict” with through traffic when vehicles back out. Lack of proper boat parking was also cited as an issue causing congestion, and the infrastructure isn’t at full optimization for accessibility, including walking and cycling.

Presenting to Council is just one step of the overall second phase of the Transportation Master Plan. There will also, it was noted by Urban Systems representative Cameron Noonan, be opportunities for Osoyoos residents to respond.

“The primary focus of (what) we’re calling ‘Issues & Opportunities’ is trying to hear from the community,” Noonan said. “We are going to be… launching a project website to promote the project. There will be a community survey, and also an interactive map activity, where residents can basically add a pin on a map, and flag transportation issues for us.”

Public engagement began at the end of last week, but through the TMP assessment work, Urban Systems and Tetra Tech heard what improvements Osoyoos residents are looking for the most. 

The top “outcomes” given by respondents were expanding affordable transportation options, minimizing travel delays, reducing climate impact, maintaining and enhancing infrastructure including streetscapes, designing infrastructure for better safety and accessibility, and promoting more active transportation options for better physical health.

Another public engagement opportunity took place earlier this week, through an in-person pop-up event at the Sonora Community Centre.

Mayor Sue McKortoff praised the assessment work performed for the TMP.

“You’ve given us something to think about, and I’m happy you’re on board with getting public involvement right away,” McKortoff said. 

A motion to receive the report and presentation was made by Councillor Johnny Cheong and seconded by Councillor Jim King, and was carried unanimously.