The owners of land needed for passing lanes near McIntyre Bluff says the project is not needed, the environment is at risk and the land is not for sale.

Oliver Daily News contacted George and Blake Kennedy of McIntrye Ranch Ltd. and both say they are not in favour of selling their land to the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure. The Kennedys say there are species and plant life at risk and that there are several “slow down” corners on either side of the project which do not enhance the chance of saving time on trips to and from Penticton. George Kennedy who represents the family on land matters says this project has been the mind of the Highways Department for 22 years but only last fall were family members contacted.

See earlier story:

Ministry staff say about 85 people attended a public open house at Oliver’s Legion Hall last Thursday to see plans for passing lanes to be built soon north of town. Staff indicated that all sides of the issue were discussed but many favoured the speed-up possible once the highway is improved. Pent up frustration being released rather than time saved is one of the main reasons given for the passing lanes.

The plan calls for passing lanes north and south between Deer Park and Klein’s corner. A spokesman for the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) says only funding for the design and land acquisition has been approved so there are no plans for getting the work done in the immediate future.

A spokesman for Highways says an environmental study has been done but won’t be release for some time.

Funding for the roadwork will not be approved until the land is acquired.

Most of the land needed is owned by the Kennedy Family (McIntrye Ranch Ltd.)