It’s amazing what a difference a few months can make.
Just last October, dignitaries gathered at the Kalamalka Lake lookout to celebrate $58,000 in upgrades to the site, including the planting of trees and grass and the installation of washrooms and picnic tables.
“It’s a great place to bring your lunch and enjoy the view on a nice sunny day,” said Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee MLA, at the time.
Fast forward to June, and you really wouldn’t want to hang around the lookout for long.
“Most of what was installed is dead or dying,” said Bob Fleming, regional district director.
The only thing that appears to be thriving is weeds.
And not only have taxpayers’ dollars been wasted, what should set a positive image for visitors stopping in our region is an absolute embarrassment.
To his credit, Foster is aware of the situation and is urging the Ministry of Transportation to take action, and hopefully something happens soon as we are moving into the height of tourist season.
And whatever is done can’t be just for this season.
The ministry must ensure that there is long-term funding in place to maintain the lookout to a certain standard, and there must be oversight of the contractor doing the job.
If a small project like this can go off course, you have to wonder if the ministry has the ability to handle more complex tasks?