Second crossing debate resurfaces in Central Okanagan during B.C. election campaign
The issue was highlighted earlier this month again when an accident forced the closure of all three southbound lanes for several hours, creating significant traffic backlogs.
The debate over a second bridge connecting Kelowna and West Kelowna is resurfacing as a key issue during the B.C. election campaign. Local candidates have differing opinions on how to tackle the growing traffic congestion on and around the existing W.A.C. Bennett Bridge.
Ryan Burley, a Kelowna Centre resident, has expressed that morning traffic on the bridge can be overwhelming. The issue gained attention again when an accident led to the closure of all three southbound lanes for several hours, causing significant traffic backlogs.
BC NDP candidate Loyal Wooldridge suggested a humorous approach to the problem by posting a video of himself attempting to cross the lake in a small boat. However, he maintained that improving the current bridge should be the immediate priority. He pointed out that there is a plan on the books for improving traffic flow without the time and cost of building a second bridge, which would cost billions of dollars.
Wooldridge emphasized his commitment to advocating for Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, and West Kelowna to improve traffic flow by increasing capacity at the bridge and enhancing intersections upon exiting the bridge into Kelowna.
The BC Conservatives, led by John Rustad, had previously promised to build a second crossing by 2032 if elected. However, under the party's new leadership, Lorne Doerkson has not reaffirmed this timeline. Doerkson indicated he wants to hear from British Columbians before making commitments regarding a potential second bridge.
BC Conservative candidate for Kelowna Centre, Kristina Loewen, maintained that the party has not abandoned the idea of a second bridge. She expressed that the party is continuing to look at it, but the opportunity to build a bridge during the opposition period has not arisen. Loewen stressed the need for planning for a second crossing to start in a way that works together with the city, multiple levels of government, and reopening studies that have been done on the matter. She emphasized the importance of building infrastructure around the bridge itself.
The BC Green Party candidate, Saoirse MacKinnon, was unavailable for comment on the issue.
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