As a community, we all want the same basic things: safe streets, reliable ways to get around, and less time sitting in traffic. That’s why one of my priorities for West Kelowna City Council is building safer, better-connected roads and pathways.

West Kelowna has everything needed to be an outstanding walking and cycling community—beautiful surroundings, great neighbourhoods and a climate that encourages people to get outside. But one of the biggest barriers to using active transportation isn’t a lack of interest. It’s the gaps in our infrastructure.

A sidewalk or pathway that suddenly ends, or a safe route that doesn’t connect to the next neighbourhood, can make the difference between someone choosing to walk or cycle and choosing to get in their car.

Families should feel confident that their children can walk or bike safely to school, parks and recreation facilities. Seniors and people using mobility devices should have comfortable, accessible ways to get around their neighbourhoods. And residents should be able to walk or cycle to local businesses and services without having to navigate busy roads.

Multi-use pathways can be an important part of the solution, particularly along busy roads. They provide physical separation from traffic and create a safer, more comfortable route for pedestrians, cyclists and people using mobility devices.

They can also make good financial sense. Asphalt pathways can cost less to install than concrete sidewalks and can often be repaired or resurfaced rather than completely replaced. Phase 1 of the Shannon Lake Road pathway is a good example of how we can improve safety and connectivity while being mindful of costs.

But safer roads also mean maintaining the roads we already have.

As West Kelowna grows, we need to plan for the ongoing cost of road maintenance and repair—not just new construction. That means prioritizing preventative maintenance, regularly assessing road conditions, planning repairs before problems become more expensive, and making sure infrastructure renewal keeps pace with growth.

Good road maintenance benefits everyone. Drivers get safer, smoother and more reliable roads, while connected pathways give residents more choices for shorter trips.

Our goal should be a connected network, linking neighbourhoods with schools, parks, recreation facilities, businesses and other community destinations.

But we do need a long-term plan to maintain what we have, close the gaps, and build connections where they make the most sense.

Safer roads. Better connections. More choices for everyone.