Williams Lake may see some improvements to Highway 20 for active transportation, after the province said they will work with the city to look at options.
Minister Rob Fleming has responded to those who sent in letters calling for improvements to Highway 20 through Williams Lake.
In an emailed response to submissions from citizens and local groups Streets for All Williams Lake and the Williams Lake Cycling Club, Fleming said the government is committed to working with the city to improve safety for active transportation users along Highway 20.
He said Budget 2023 includes $100 million in funding for infrastructure investments to expand active transportation in B.C.
“Ministry staff will be meeting with the city of Williams Lake to explore potential options and partnership opportunities to construct a multi-use path along Highway 20,” he wrote in the letter.
Fleming also mentioned shoulder cleaning and said the ministry is working with the local maintenance contractor, Dawson Road Maintenance to complete additional clearing of build-up on the shoulders and increase sweeping in the summer.
At the regular city council meeting on March 12, Coun. Joan Flaspohler read from the response to share it with the council and community and expressed her excitement at seeing the initiative for improvements to active transportation safety along the corridor in the city potentially move ahead.
“I want to thank everyone in the community that have supported this initiative and I can’t wait to see what happens,” said Flaspohler at the meeting, but did acknowledge city staff had not yet heard from the ministry directly.
READ MORE: City to put forward call for safety improvements along Highway 20 in Williams Lake
Flaspohler had written a report to council which sparked a push from the city to send a request to the provincial ministers of transportation and the environment to improve the section of Highway 20 dividing the city.
The city voted in November 2023 to send in a request for improvements to the section of Highway 20 for safety, to provide opportunities for active transportation users and to support CleanBC goals.
“I really appreciate, Coun. Flaspohler, the work you did,” said Mayor Surinderpal Rathor.
Rathor said he did receive a call from the ministry on Friday, March 8 and wanted Coun. Flaspohler to get the chance to make the announcement.
Community groups and citizens also wrote letters in support of the call for improvements.
READ MORE: Continued push for Highway 20 safety in Williams Lake
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