Interview with MLA Linda Larson on Wednesday in her office:

Fruit Growers Hwy signs – some moves a foot to get the Ministry of Transportation to enforce existing policy on roadside sign.

MLA Larson says she certainly support the idea that third party signs should not be used along the highway but strong supports the rights of a farmer to advertise on his own property. Larson says she is aware that the Ministry has taken action when signage is becoming a safety issue and interfers with sight lines.

Larson says she supports the idea that RDOS rural district reps – Pendergraft in Osoyoos and Schafer in Oliver could meet with farmers to get a uniform policy of seasonal signage that would be removed at the end of the tourist travel period. The size of all signs is a factor. Larson said she wanted to make it clear jurisdiction for the hwy right of way is with the ministry – what goes on private land is a zoning issue for the Regional District and local municipalities.

Safety issues – a series of initiatives in the Gallagher Lake area call for a new or enhanced bridge at the creek.

MLA Larson says when concerns were first expressed the Ministry of Transportation promised better signage to slow traffic and lighting to brighten up the road at night. Both of those plans have been executed and the safety concerns expressed have diminished. Larson says she is aware of the local area plan and conversations about local trails going through that area. She promised to check with the Ministry to see what is on the future plans but stated that bridge improvements were made recently and a new bridge is unlikely at this time. She also remark that the older bridge and its funnel affect actually slows traffic. A new and bigger one would likely increase speed.

Ok Falls crosswalk – recent petition called for a controlled crosswalk at Cedar Street and Hwy 97 at Okanagan Falls

MLA Larson says she accepted the petition from concerned residents and MOTI has confirmed it is likely that overhead signage and lighting will announce to the highway travelers that a crosswalk is coming up but she says it will not be a controlled light where a pedestrian can activate a stop. Larson urged all residents of the area to work with the local planning group on the development of a new look in OK Falls as that plan will highlight where development is going and where traffic, sidewalk and crosswalks will be needed or changed in the village.