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 has resurfaced as a key issue in the Central Okanagan ahead of the upcoming B.C. election. Local candidates have differing views on how to tackle the growing traffic congestion plaguing the W.A.C Bennett Bridge, which suffers from frequent morning delays.
Ryan Burley, a regular bridge user, expressed concern about morning traffic, while BC NDP candidate Loyal Wooldridge suggested humorously using a small boat to highlight the issue. Wooldridge stated that there is a plan to improve traffic flow without building a second bridge, but criticized the lack of progress due to insufficient local advocacy.
The BC Conservatives, under John Rustad, had previously pledged to build a second bridge by 2032, but the new leadership under Lorne Doerkson has not reconfirmed this timeline. Doerkson is open to the idea, but wants to hear from British Columbians first.
BC Conservative candidate Kristina Loewen maintained that the party hasn't abandoned the promise but emphasized the need for planning and collaboration with local governments before proceeding. Loewen called for the resumption of studies on the bridge project.
BC Green Party candidate Saoirse MacKinnon could not be reached for comment on the matter.
Written by urgent.news from Global News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
