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Emergency exit for West Âé¶¹AV neighbourhood a step closer to fruition

Casa Loma residents have long asked for an emergency exit in their community
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West Âé¶¹AV City Hall (File photo)

At its May 9 regular meeting, West Âé¶¹AV city council directed staff to report back on the timing of the project which is planned for the Casa Loma community.

An emergency exit route has long been a safety concern for residents as Campbell Road is their only exit in the event of an evacuation.

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Coun. Rick de Jong said he felt this was not the ultimate solution for the community as there are still challenges.

“Which is going to be quite interesting to figure out. I do see this as a step in the right direction.â€

De Jong also asked that money to fund the project be specified that it would come from the city’s infrastructure reserve fund.

City CAO Paul Gipps noted there will be approximately $1.85 million in the reserve by the end of the year, and that about $365,000 has been allocated to other projects so far.

“There is plenty of room there. With this project having some developer contribution it wouldn’t use up even half of it.â€

In January, staff proposed that $750,000 be included in the 2023 budget to enhance an existing walking trail between Lakeview Road and Casa Palmero Drive.

At that time, council deferred a decision on the project until it could review the information and potentially include it in the budget.

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In April, Mayor Gord Milsom tabled a notice of motion regarding how to fund the project, and council directed staff to prepare a report for discussion at the May 9 meeting.



gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com

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About the Author: Gary Barnes

Journalist and broadcaster for three decades.
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