The City of Penticton is continuing its focus to make our roads safer for everyone walking, rolling, riding and driving.
Staff have implemented a range of programs and projects designed to enhance safety throughout the transportation network, building on Council’s strategic priorities, the City’s Official Community Plan, the Master Transportation Plan, the Community Climate Action Plan and the BC Road Safety Strategy.
“We’re focused on creating a transportation network that prioritizes safety for all,” says Kristen Dixon, general manager of Infrastructure. “We have reduced speeds in high-conflict areas like schools and playgrounds, introduced advanced pedestrian and cycling phases at intersections, constructed new active transportation infrastructure, and expanded our Safe Routes to School program. These are just some of the steps we are taking to make it safer to get around.”
Penticton has also invested in major traffic safety projects including the Point Intersection group of projects, which included a new roundabout, as well as sidewalk expansions, safer crosswalks, traffic calming measures and school zone improvements.
Eckhardt Avenue reconstruction is also well underway and includes full infrastructure renewal, combined with enhanced active transportation infrastructure, safer pedestrian crossings, and improved connections to the KVR Trail and Penticton Creek Trail. By designing the work as a “complete street project,” a variety of infrastructure and asset maintenance can be addressed all at once, which lessens the overall impact on the community.
“These efforts are paying off,” adds Dixon. “Injury collision rates in Penticton remain below the provincial average and continue to trend downward.”
According to ICBC data, these are the top five high collision locations throughout Penticton, three of which are within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transportation (MOTT).
- Channel Pkwy & Fairview Rd (MOTT)
- Channel Pkwy & Green Ave (MOTT)
- Channel Pkwy & Warren Ave (MOTT)
- Main Street and Industrial Ave
- Main Street and Warren Ave
The City has implemented – or plans to implement – safety improvements at the intersections within its jurisdiction, while continuing to advocate to MOTT for safety improvements at the highway intersections.
Recent changes at Main Street and Warren Avenue included the installation of dedicated left-turn lanes and advanced signal phasing. Advanced phases are also being investigated at Industrial Avenue. Changes to the Green Avenue and Skaha Lake Road intersection, which just missed the top 5, are also in the works and were previously initiated through the Safe Routes to School plan for Skaha Elementary.
With over 200 active community requests for transportation safety improvements and more than 70 new requests in 2025 alone, the City remains committed to prioritizing projects to support the community. Each of these requests are carefully assessed based on a variety of factors and taking into consideration budget limitations.
For more information about the City’s Transportation Master Plan and other transportation initiatives, visit penticton.ca/transportation. To submit a transportation request directly to the City, visit penticton.ca/transportation-safety.