Central Okanagan transportation plan endorsed

A regional transportation framework to guide investments over the next two decades has received final endorsement by local governments.

The Sustainable Transportation Partnership of the Central Okanagan (STPCO), includes the City of West Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland, City of Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, and the Regional District of Central Okanagan.

The plan was developed following more than two years of technical studies, public consultation and region-wide collaboration. It sets the direction to move people and goods more efficiently, achieve fast and reliable transit, create a safe and convenient regional bicycling and trails network, and incorporate new mobility options.

It will help the local governments seek federal and provincial funding and implement transportation investments that benefit the entire region. Future population growth and greenhouse gas emissions are both targeted in the document.

Some key recommendations include creating a fast and reliable transit spine along the Highway 97 corridor, adding 81 new kilometres of regional bicycling and trails facilities, and improving connectivity to destinations such as UBC Okanagan and the Kelowna International Airport.

“Recommendations in the plan reflect the interests and values heard from people across the region, from Peachland to Lake Country, and will help build and maintain a healthy, thriving and connected future for the Central Okanagan.” Rafael Villareal, Administrator of the STPCO, said. “We thank the many individuals and organizations that have been involved in helping create a robust transportation plan for our region.”

The regional plan is also aligned with Clean BC and the BC Economic Framework.

To learn more and view the final Regional Transportation Plan and its supporting plans, including the Regional Bicycling and Trails Plan and Regional Disruptive Mobility Strategy, visit smartTRIPS.ca.