AIRPORT WAY SOON TO BE A MULTI-USE CORRIDOR BY TRACEY FREDRICKSON
T
he changing face of Kelowna International Airport will soon be evident well beyond the terminal building as nearby Airport Way is transformed into an attractive and inviting multi-use corridor designed for walking, biking and aircraft watching.
Work on the project, which includes the area between Old Vernon Road and Aerospace Drive, began in May and will be complete by mid-November. It will include upgrades of underground works, road resurfacing, the addition of landscaping, trees, bus shelters and designated pathways for walkers and bicyclists. With the addition of benches and street lights, the
corridor will be a prime spot for observing the landings and take-offs of various aircraft that frequent YLW. For visitors waiting for a plane to arrive, passengers with time between flights, and employees at the airport, it’s just a few steps away to enjoy the scenery or a healthy break. The corridor will also provide a more attractive approach to local businesses on Airport Way.
City of Kelowna crews have been hired as the contractor of the $4.3 million project, one of several multi- use corridors developed by the City. Multi-use corridors have been shown to provide many benefits: they create a safe place where a cross-section of people of different ages can enjoy various activities and add to the “sense of place” in an area through the use of varied landscapes, rest areas and interesting focal points. They also promote environmental sustainability through the use of ecologically sound materials and construction practices.
“The project was inspired by the need for reconstruction due to deteriorated paving on the roadway,” points out Purvez Irani, Manager of Roads, Drainage and Solid Waste Projects for the City of Kelowna. “The Airport planning team showed a lot of foresight in taking advantage of this opportunity to turn the area into a multi-use corridor. It will be enjoyed by increasing numbers of people at Kelowna Airport well into the future.”
Vehicle traffic from the North Okanagan is encouraged to access the Airport from the main entrance off Highway 97 as traffic off Old Vernon Road along Airport Way may experience slight delays. Construction updates are available on the airport’s website at
ylw.kelowna.ca under the Construction tab.
16 | YLW CONNECTION
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