PRESS RELEASE

Kelowna, B.C. – Construction to improve safety along a 300-metre section of Westside Road began last week thanks to the Westside Road Improvement Committee, the Ministry of Transportation and Tolko Industries Ltd.

In the coming weeks, crews will widen the road to improve visibility between Bear Lake Main Road and Pine Point. The Westside Road Improvement Committee and the Ministry of Transportation identified this section as a top safety priority after forming an action committee in 2005.

Tolko Industries Ltd. owns land in the area and agreed to donate the required section of road.

“We are pleased to support the Westside Road Improvement Committee and the Ministry of Transportation as they work to improve the safety of everyone traveling along Westside Road,” says John Thorlakson, Executive Vice-President, Tolko Industries.

Jim Edgson of the Westside Road Improvement Committee expressed his appreciation for the government’s and Tolko’s involvement.

“We’d like to thank Tolko Industries and the Ministry of Transportation for their commitment to this process,” he says. “Their contributions will go a long way toward helping improve the lives of the Westside North Residents.”

Okanagan-Westside MLA Rick Thorpe visited the construction site on April 28.

"I want to acknowledge the spirit of co-operation among the community associations in forming the Westside Road Improvement Committee, establishing priorities and working together to improve public safety," said Thorpe. "This resident's group has helped forge a partnership between citizens, government and business who share a commitment to safety on the Westside Road."

For further information, please contact:

Lanette Lundquist Communications Advisor Tolko Industries P: 250.550.1487 E-mail

Rusty Hewitt District Program Manager Ministry of Transportation P: 250.490.2224 E-mail

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