Project not related to Kamloops parkade plan
Construction along Lorne Street is set to begin, but the work has nothing to do with the controversial parkade project.
The city is installing underground BC Hydro lines along Lorne Street between First and Third avenues as part of an overall plan to beautify the area.
Mayor Peter Milobar was quick to note the work is separate and independent from the proposed parkade project.
He said the city purposely waited until after the alternative-approval process on the parkade borrowing bylaw was complete before moving ahead with the hydro project to avoid any confusion for residents.
“We wanted to make sure people weren’t feeling misled,” Milobar said.
He said the city hoped to start the hydro project at the same time as the parkade since work would be done in the same area.
But, with the parkade project up in the air due to the counter-petition and the hyrdo work needing to be completed before winter, the beautification project will now begin.
Construction will start this week and wrap up by mid-December, and motorists are being warned of potential delays in the area.
Uji Way and the parking lot of the Riverside Park tennis courts will also be closed during construction as they will be used as staging areas.
However, the Heritage House parking lot fronting Lorne Street is expected to remain open throughout the duration of construction
The project is budgeted at $725,000, with BC Hydro covering $145,000 and the city picking up the rest of the tab.
The hydro work is the first phase in the city-centre plan to beautify Lorne Street.
It will include roundabouts at First and Third avenues, along with new sidewalks and street trees.
Work on the second phase is expected to begin next spring.
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