The soon-to-be old section of Highway 97 in Lake Country is close to having its own name.
Council had narrowed the name choices down from 160 submissions to a short-list of three based on public feedback, historical naming by aboriginal inhabitants of the area, a corridor theme for future parks, and naming conflict with other jurisdictions.
“We really appreciate the time and effort people made to give us their input,” said Mayor James Baker.
“There were a lot of similar names proposed, and a real depth of thought put into considering the heritage of the community.
The three short-listed names are Lake Country Parkway, Pelmewash Parkway and Wood Lake Parkway.
They are now posted at www.lakecountry.bc.ca for final public input.
“We took a look at the road names that individuals and community groups had already suggested over the past few years; and listened to the parks and recreation advisory committee recommendation to council that the ending be parkway for whatever name is chosen,” said Coun. Lisa Cameron.
“As well, we were all in agreement that the name submission of Pelmewash was very relevant in light of the recent archeological findings and because it was the aboriginal name for Wood Lake prior to the arrival of Thomas Wood’s family in the community.”
The district has been reserving the name Lake Country Drive for use on a significant thoroughfare in the community, so the fact that it received 163 or 30 per cent of the online poll votes was not surprising; in addition to the other 16 submissions of similar names prefaced by Lake Country.
Likewise, with significant support for everything from Wood Lake Promenade and Wood Lake Scenic Drive to Wood Lakeside Trail, Cameron said the public emphasis on that name could not be ignored.
The deadline for voting in the online public opinion poll is 4:30 p.m. Nov. 14th. Council will make the final decision on the road name Nov. 20.
A new name is required for the stretch of highway along Wood Lake because a new Highway 97 corridor is being constructed on the nearby hillside.