Roadwork along Victoria Road South in Summerland, B.C. faced a delay due to the lack of permission from FortisBC, causing concern for both the district and safety of residents. Mayor Doug Holmes expressed frustration over the delay, as the project was already included in the district’s capital plan for the previous year. The district will now have to go through the same approval process for three other major projects this year, adding further complications.
The safety concerns were highlighted by an incident where a youth riding their bike on the pathway near the construction site fell and required an ambulance to be called. This incident emphasized the urgency of completing the roadwork to ensure the safety of residents in the area. FortisBC issued a permit for the project on May 1 after receiving the necessary information to support the permit. With approval in hand, the district can now move forward with the roadwork.
Mayor Holmes stated that the district plans to review the entire capital plan with FortisBC to potentially receive pre-approval for future projects to avoid similar delays. He emphasized the importance of establishing a better relationship with FortisBC to prevent any future disruptions to construction projects. The hope is that through this experience, a stronger partnership can be formed for future collaborations.
Once the approval from FortisBC is secured, roadwork along Victoria Road South is expected to commence promptly. The district is eager to begin the project and complete the much-needed improvements to the road. With the necessary permits in place, construction crews can start work as soon as they are available, ensuring that the project stays on track and is completed in a timely manner.
Overall, the delay in roadwork along Victoria Road South in Summerland, B.C. caused by the lack of permission from FortisBC raised concerns for both the district and public safety. With approval finally granted, the project can move forward, and steps will be taken to prevent similar delays in the future. Mayor Holmes stressed the importance of establishing a better relationship with FortisBC to ensure smoother collaboration on future projects. The district is now looking forward to commencing the roadwork and completing the necessary improvements as soon as possible.
