Public input sought for possible second bridge over Okanagan Lake

KELOWNA – The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure says a second bridge over Okanagan Lake won’t happen for more than 20 years but it’s starting the planning process now.

The ministry is seeking to engage the public in a three year transportation planning study for the Highway 97 corridor through the central Okanagan.

It will consider future transportation needs including potential route options and timing for a second crossing over the lake.

In a news release, the ministry says there are various ways for people to participate in the consultation.

* Open Houses: The public can attend either of these two upcoming open
houses:
* Kelowna Open House – Tuesday, May 19 – 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at
the Ramada Kelowna Hotel and Conference Centre, 2170 Harvey Ave.,
Kelowna
* West Kelowna Open House – Wednesday, May 20 – 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
at the Westbank Lions Community Centre, 2466 Main St., Westbank
* Website: A new website will be launched on May 19. Interested
citizens can submit the feedback form or take part in the online
discussion.
* Dialogue/presentation sessions: The project team will hold
dialogue/presentation meetings with community groups and
stakeholders.

“We’re interested in what local citizens who live and work in this region have to say about travel on the Highway 97 corridor and across the William R. Bennett Bridge, says Kelowna-Mission MLA Steve Thomson. “It’s important that we hear from the public about their experiences travelling the highway corridor, all of which will be combined with local government input and technical data
as we move into the future.”

The Highway 97 corridor study area stretches from just south of Peachland to just south of Vernon.

The ministry expects over the next two decades, the population of the central Okanagan will grow from about 187,000 to 255,000, an increase of 36 per cent.