Pushing for 4-lane Hwy 97

Photo: Colin Dacre

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen will be lobbying the provincial government for, among other things, an expedited widening of Highway 97 between West Kelowna and Summerland during this fall’s UBCM convention.

The annual Union of BC Municipalities Convention Sept. 10-14 in Whistler gives local governments the chance to bend the ears of provincial ministers about the big issues facing their residents.

This year, the RDOS is heading to the convention with a long and varied wish list centred around transportation, emergency services and Crown land.

Briefing notes for meetings scheduled with ministers are going before the RDOS board next week and transportation and highway issues appear to dominate.

“With access to the Coquihalla adjacent to Kelowna, and four-lane highway directly feeding it, the Central Okanagan has flourished,” the notes state. “Highway 97 south from the connector at West Kelowna was improved in 2008, but still has sections that are single-lane. This influences economic growth, traffic patterns and quality of life.”

The province is currently undertaking a study on how to move traffic through Peachland, something the RDOS called “somewhat myopic” with too narrow of a focus.

Also on the transportation file, the RDOS is expected to ask B.C. to subsidize some form of inter-city bus service in the absence of Greyhound, and will argue the benefits of ride-sharing apps for rural communities.

The District will be asking the Ministry of Forest Lands and Natural Resources for its official stance on dredging the Okanagan River Channel, in the wake of two years of flooding.

“The Regional District would be interested to learn more about the Province’s position and current practice related to river channel maintenance,” the briefing notes say.

In Naramata, the RDOS would like to see the province take over care of the decades old flume that transports water from Robinson Creek to Naramata Creek. It used to be crucial for the local water system, but now runs solely for the benefit of the Kokanee hatchery in Naramata Creek. The 730-metres long structure is in need of replacement soon.

The siting of cannabis production facilities on ALR land, the impact of the Oliver prison on policing, recycling and the Sage Mesa Water System will also be discussed.