Lodge Road active transportation and drainage upgrades completed ahead of schedule

Project made possible thanks to B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program through the Ministry of Transportation and Transit 

Guided by the District of Lake Country’s Mobility Improvement Program, work started in March on Lodge Road between Sherman Road and Woodsdale Road including drainage, road renewal, curb and gutter, sidewalk installation on one side, transit stop improvements and intersection improvements. Lodge Road is a highly constrained corridor due to challenging topography, limited right-of-way and numerous driveway accesses. To complement active transportation in the area, increase accessibility and extend seasonal use, the Okanagan Rail Trail was paved between Woodsdale Road and the Quail Trail access connection south of the Lodge Road crossing. 

Lake Country’s Lodge Road was one of 53 active transportation infrastructure projects in B.C. communities that received provincial funding support. The District of Lake Country received $500,000. through the B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program for this project. This important section of Lodge Road serves as a neighbourhood connection to schools, parks and the town centre.  By paving the existing gravel portion of the rail trail, the District was able to close a critical network gap and provide direct, safe, all-season active transportation between the rapidly growing Woodsdale area and the Lake Country town centre. 

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The total cost of the project was $2.8million, with the District of Lake Country contributing $2,300,000 allocated from Road Reserve, Gas Tax, Drainage DCC and Road DCC funds, in addition to the $500,000 funding provided by the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit. The grant funding was used to enhance active transportation by:

• Adding new curb and sidewalk
• Improving access to transit and transit stops
• Reconfiguring the Sherman Drive intersection to boost pedestrian safety
• Paving the Okanagan Rail Trail for a fully separated, all-season walking and cycling route.

The Lodge Road active transportation project was accelerated in Mobility Master Plan project initiatives to address the deteriorating condition of Lodge Road, ensuring a safer and more reliable transportation route for motorists, pedestrians, mobility-device users and cyclists. It encourages non-motorized travel, reduces reliance on vehicles, and integrates best practices in stormwater management and construction. The newly constructed drainage system offers a more robust solution for stormwater management, enhancing protection and ensuring the longevity of the new infrastructure along this vital mobility corridor. This project also aligns with the District’s Tourism Strategy in creating an all-season trail network that connects parks, businesses and key destinations.  

Quotes

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit 

“With this funding, we’re helping communities across B.C. build a cleaner, healthier and more connected future,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit. “Projects like the Lodge Road Active Transportation Corridor encourage people to walk, cycle, or roll – supporting active lifestyles, reducing vehicle dependence and strengthening local communities. This is a great example of what’s possible when all levels of government work together.” 
 

Mayor Blair Ireland, Lake Country

“The Lodge Road project integrates with the Okanagan Rail Trail, a key regional active transportation route. By leveraging the Okanagan Rail Trail as a parallel active transportation route, this project addresses critical infrastructure gaps while maintaining safe and efficient travel options in the constrained Lodge Road corridor. The urgent need for roadway renewal further justified accelerating the project to enhance safety, connectivity, and long-term infrastructure resilience. We appreciate the focused attention this project received in order to complete it as efficiently as possible and reduce the impact to the neighbourhood during construction. After the contractor wrapped up work in late June and the road reopened to through traffic, all parts of the corridor have been used more than expected, and the feedback from the community has been really positive."

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Matthew Salmon, Director of Infrastructure and Development Engineering, District of Lake Country

“The Lodge Road improvements enhance connectivity to transit stops and community amenities; and support local businesses by improving accessibility for residents without vehicles – fostering economic growth and attracting investment. The Sherman Drive/Lodge Road intersection was also realigned to enhance pedestrian visibility; and pedestrian-activated beacons were installed at crossings on Lodge Road to add to the safety aspects of this well-used corridor. It has been great to see the positive comments about the project and response from residents and regular users of Lodge Road, now that the work is complete.” 

Links

For more information about the B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/funding-engagement-permits/funding-grants/active-transportation-infrastructure-grants

For more information on the active transportation infrastructure funding announced March 27, 2025, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025TT0026-000260

District of Lake Country Lodge Road capital project description.

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