Summerland Considers No-Truck Route Amid Rising Safety Concerns

UPDATE: Summerland officials are taking urgent action as a councillor proposes a no-truck route on Rosedale Avenue due to escalating safety concerns. At a council meeting on September 9, 2025, Councillor Doug Patan called for municipal staff to evaluate the designation of Rosedale Avenue, specifically between Highway 97 and Prairie Valley Road, as a no-truck route, excluding local deliveries.

The push comes in light of the Summerland Transportation Plan, which was approved in June 2025 and suggests that Prairie Valley Road be utilized as a designated route for large trucks. Patan highlighted that the ongoing increase in local gravel pit production is leading to more heavy trucks on residential roads, raising concerns about safety and maintenance costs.

“More trucks on the road can and will result in higher maintenance costs,” Patan stated. With the recent transformation of the former Summerland Middle School into Summerland Elementary School and the establishment of a new child care facility, the safety of children along Rosedale Avenue has become a critical issue.

While Prairie Valley Road is officially designated for large truck traffic, Patan noted that many trucks are currently using Rosedale Avenue to bypass congestion at the intersection with Highway 97. “I do not see a need for loaded trucks to be using Rosedale as a bypass,” he asserted.

Patan’s proposal could potentially be advanced through a truck route bylaw or an update to the Official Community Plan. Meanwhile, Kendra Kinsley, Summerland’s corporate officer, pointed out that many communities have successfully implemented similar no-truck route regulations.

However, not all councillors are on board. Councillor Richard Barkwill expressed skepticism, insisting that any decision should be backed by a rigorous traffic study. “It’s got to be a scientifically-based decision,” he said.

Mayor Doug Holmes echoed concerns about safety, particularly at the intersection of Prairie Valley Road and Highway 97, which has been the site of numerous accidents. Data from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia revealed that this intersection is the most dangerous in Summerland, with 108 crashes reported from 2020 to 2024, including 15 in 2024. Among these incidents, 45 resulted in casualties. For comparison, the intersection of Highway 97 and Rosedale Avenue recorded only 26 crashes in the same timeframe.

Municipal staff will now conduct a thorough examination of the intersection and the surrounding roads, with a report expected to be presented to the Summerland council in upcoming meetings. The outcome of this review could significantly impact local traffic regulations and safety measures, making it essential for residents to stay informed on developments.

As concerns mount over safety and increased truck traffic, the Summerland community waits for decisive action from their leaders. This urgent matter is one that could shape the future of transportation in the area.