Update: Chief says new bridge could be underway by September

The site of a proposed new bridge at Green Avenue to Penticton Indian Band lands.

image credit: Submitted

Update: 5 p.m.

A third crossing over the Okanagan River channel could open up land for new development later this year, according to Penticton Indian Band Chief Jonathan Kruger.

Im pushing hard for a set date of building this bridge by September, he said this week after the federal government confirmed it would contribute $500,000 for design and engineering of the long-awaited crossing at Green Avenue.

Were tired of talking about this; we want to make this happen, said Kruger.

Satikw Crossing is intended to provide access to 60 hectares of land sandwiched between the river and the Penticton airport.

The development area would be leased to builders by the locatee owners and the PIB would collect property taxes, Kruger said, and the broader community would benefit from new jobs and increased economic activity.

A funding announcement from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada noted the site is expected to one day boast a 150-room hotel, 23,000 square metres of retail space and 25,000 square metres for a business park.

Kruger said no lease agreements have been signed yet, but once we start seeing the reality of a bridge being built, Im sure well see those tenants start lining up.

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Update: Chief says new bridge could be underway by September