Potential bypass dividing Peachland

Thousands of vehicle drive through Peachland every day on Highway 97.

Some stop but most do not. That’s why some say it’s time to send that traffic around Peachland and not through it.

Resident John Abernethy has been one of many leading the charge for a highway bypass. He’s convinced it would help the community grow.

“We don’t have any reason for anybody to stop. If the highway is up above then we could develop good reason – high end places along the lake that would bring more people,” he said.

The BC Wildlife Federation is no fan of a bypass because of possible adverse environmental impacts.

A spokesperson says some of the locals who want a bypass are only looking out for themselves.

“I call it self-serving because the majority of the people in the community that are supportive of just throwing a bypass around the town live along the Highway 97 corridor,” said federation vice-president Brenton Froehlich. “They chose to purchase there and now they see this as an opportunity to move it out of their backyard and have an impact on the environment.”

Many business owners are reluctant to make their views on the controversial by-pass known. Some fear customers might shun their businesses if their opinions differ.

Werner Fischer is co-owner of the Gasthaus restaurant in downtown Peachland and one of the few business owners willing to go on the record, expressing his support for the bypass.

“I think Peachland should be a resort town and with an autobahn going right through Peachland it’s not positive,” he said.

The Transportation Ministry is holding a public information session about the bypass Monday evening.