Houghton Road Active Transportation Corridor connection

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Houghton Road ATC

Background

The Houghton Road Active Transportation Corridor connection will create an all ages and abilities multi-use path between the Rutland neighbourhood and Okanagan Rail Trail.

The project creates a new access point to the Okanagan Rail Trail, one of Kelowna's most popular active transportation routes due to its connections to key destinations and separation from motor vehicles. The Okanagan Rail Trail is a regional pathway that will eventually connect Kelowna to Vernon.

In 2018, a study was completed to determine the best route to connect the Houghton Road Active Transportation Corridor (ATC) to the Okanagan Rail Trail. We considered public

Background

The Houghton Road Active Transportation Corridor connection will create an all ages and abilities multi-use path between the Rutland neighbourhood and Okanagan Rail Trail.

The project creates a new access point to the Okanagan Rail Trail, one of Kelowna's most popular active transportation routes due to its connections to key destinations and separation from motor vehicles. The Okanagan Rail Trail is a regional pathway that will eventually connect Kelowna to Vernon.

In 2018, a study was completed to determine the best route to connect the Houghton Road Active Transportation Corridor (ATC) to the Okanagan Rail Trail. We considered public feedback on four potential options that were considered for this connection.

Public engagement

In spring 2018, we asked for your feedback on four potential route options to connect the Houghton ATC to the Okanagan Rail Trail. Engagement has concluded, and a summary of what we heard is included in the 'Project updates' section below.

Preferred route: option four / Leathead Road

The Leathead Road option (with a route along Lester Road, Leathead Road and Enterprise Road) has been selected as the preferred route.

Benefits of this option:

  • Good natural surveillance
  • Simple construction
  • Least environmental impact (uses existing bridge across Mill Creek)
  • Lowest annual maintenance costs
  • Lower cost

  • Public engagement summary

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    In April 2018, we delivered a public engagement opportunity to collect feedback on the Houghton Road Active Transportation Corridor connection with the Okanagan Rail Trail. Engagement methods included an in-person open house and online survey.

    Purpose of engagement

    • To inform residents and collect feedback about the four proposed options for the Houghton ATC connection to the Okanagan Rail Trail.
    • To understand public opinion about each option, which option respondents prefer, and why / why not

    Format of engagement

    • Drop-in, informal open house: April 18, 2018 at Heritage Christian School
    • Hard-copy survey
    • Online survey

    Promotion and outreach

    • Newspaper ads: April 6 & 13, 2018
    • News release: April 9 & 18
    • Social media
    • Roadside electronic message board
    • Email bulletin

    What we heard

    Approximately 28 people attended the open house, and 43 people completed the feedback survey. Most of the open house attendees live or work on or near Houghton Road. All attendees said that they were generally supportive of the Houghton Road Active Transportation Corridor (ATC) connection to the Okanagan Rail Trail.

    Most attendees said they were in support of Option Four: Leathead Road that was proposed as a route option. Attendees considered the costs associated with each option and determined cost as a factor in selecting an option.

    Engagement feedback

    All survey respondents indicated that the information presented was clear and understandable and that staff were able to answer their questions. 86 per cent indicated they understood how public input was used in the process. 93 per cent indicated that participating was a valuable experience. 100 per cent responded that they had an opportunity to share their views, and 93 per cent responded that they learned something new.

    Next steps

    Detailed design is scheduled for Winter 2018, with construction anticipated for summer 2020 pending budget approval.

  • News release: Submit your input for Houghton Road Active Transportation Corridor connection

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    Engagement is underway for the new multi-use pathway, which will provide a continuous walking and cycling route between Rutland and downtown, UBCO, the airport and beyond.

    Residents are invited to provide input, through an online survey, regarding routing options and concept designs for the connection between Houghton Road Active Transportation Corridor and the Okanagan Rail Corridor.

    Submit ideas about the proposed options online at the City’s public engagement website, getinvolved.kelowna.ca until May 6, 2018.

    Once input is received, a detailed design will be drafted with construction anticipated for summer 2020, pending budget approval.

    For more information about the project, visit: kelowna.ca/cityprojects

  • News release: Houghton Avenue Active Transportation Corridor connection open house

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    Residents are invited to provide input on the routing options and concept designs of the connection between the Houghton Avenue Active Transportation Corridor (ATC) and the Okanagan Rail Corridor.

    “Essential connections contribute to the success of Kelowna’s pedestrian and bike network,” said Chad Williams, Transportation Planning Engineer. “There are options for a paved shared pathway ether via Mills Road/Commerce Avenue or Leathead Road, and there are multiple crossing options at Highway 97 and Mill Creek being explored.”

    Join the City of Kelowna to give input on routing options and concept designs:

    Wednesday, April 18

    4 – 6 p.m.

    Heritage Christian School (907 Badke Road)

    Staff and consultants will be available to discuss the plans and answer questions. Pending budget approval, construction is anticipated for summer 2020.

    “As biking and other active modes of transportation continue to increase, separating bikes and pedestrians from motorists will ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience,” said Williams.

    For more information, visit kelowna.ca/cityprojects.