The B.C. government has unveiled the successful consulting
firm to carry out a three-year transportation planning study for the
Central Okanagan, looking at route options for a future second
crossing of Okanagan Lake.

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone announced the
successful consulting firm at the B.C. Road Builders’ annual fall
conference in Kelowna. Delcan Corporation has been selected as the
consulting firm to undertake this important planning assignment. The
work is valued at $2-million for the three-year planning study.

The planning study will examine the Central Okanagan to understand
and explore the transportation needs of the area. The study will
look at route options including preferred locations for a future
alternate lake crossing and potential timing for future project
planning purposes.

There will be extensive opportunities for local governments, First
Nations and the public to have input in the planning process as the
needs are explored and potential solutions identified. These will
include meetings with local government and First Nations, open
houses for public consultation and online opportunities for
feedback. The ministry expects formal consultation to start later
this winter as the planning work progresses.

Since 2001, more than $370 million in upgrades to the Highway 97
corridor in the Kelowna area have been undertaken to improve safety
and mobility. The current lake crossing on Highway 97 was upgraded
in 2008 which included the construction of the five-lane William R.
Bennett Bridge.