Minister Blair Lekstrom
Minister of Transporation (MOTI)
Victoria BC

I appreciate your reply of October 28, 2011. Today I had the opportunity to drive Seacrest road for the first time to see if I could begin cycling this section of road once again.  Unfortunately this is not going to be possible.  This route is now really no more that a firmly packed gravel road unfit for enjoyable road cycling or motorcycling.

I appreciate your explanation that the method of seal coating is technically and financially a viable solution for this stretch of road – but I disagree with your assessment that  “during a final sweeping of the newly treated roadway to create a functional surface for all types of vehicles, including motorcycles and bicycles. Sealcoated surfaces will also settle over the winter and become smoother with a bit of wear.   This route is no longer viable as a road cycling or motorcycling route. This is a concern given that this roadway was once rated as one of the top ten motorcycling roads in BC and it was once a preferred route for thousands of cyclists- including the hugely successful Gran Fondo ride based in Penticton BC.

So while your explanation and approach may have short term technical and financial merit – they have ultimately eliminated a significant visitor attraction in the Oliver area.  I noted that last year your Ministry funded the paving of road access to many wineries in the Oliver area.  I completely support such investment.  I see this roadway issue in the same light.  It appears to me you have treated this road improvement project with no real appreciation of its use and significance and thus have remotely established that the “cheapest” solution was the best.  At this point there is no way to improve/fix your “low cost” solution – without undertaking a full repaving of the roadway.  Even at the roadways worst – it was still better than it is today for its diverse users.

In the future I suggest your Ministry do a better job of understanding the various uses of a road such as Seacrest before deciding the short term “least expensive” option is the best.  In this case I am confident your shortsightedness have driven significant visitor dollars our of the Southern Okanagan area for many years to come.

Bill Rinsma