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The mayors and councils of Peachland and Summerland are pushing for a permanent, secondary route between their two communities in light of several closures in recent years.
In a letter to Mark Farnworth, BC’s Minister of Transportation and Transit, the two communities say Highway 97 has experienced “unprecedented” impacts due to unplanned closures.
That includes a rockslide in February 2019, a landslide in June 2023 and the most recent rockslide in August 2023, which remains under construction.
The two districts say there have also been closures due to wildfires, downed power lines and serious motor vehicle accidents.
“Transportation delays and impediments are a symptom of the more significant concern of a lack of infrastructure resilience and associated options for travellers, manifesting more each year due to climate variability and its related issues,” the letter says.
Normally the drive between Peachland and Summerland takes about 20 minutes.
However, when the highway shuts down, the shortest paved alternative route is nearly 300 km along the Okanagan Connector, down Hwy 5A to Prince and Hwy 3 to Penticton.
That can result in a drive of more than three hours, the districts say.
Although there is a forestry road that can be used, it is poorly maintained and not appropriate for most vehicles, the letter adds.
Additionally, the two municipalities have been informed it won’t be used as a bypass this year if Hwy 97 closes to another rockslide.
“We believe a permanent, secondary route is required between Summerland and Peachland,” the letter adds.
“This would increase the resilience of the key Highway 97 trade and transportation corridor and offer a scenic bypass option for the travelling public to support broader tourism goals.”
Municipal officials from Peachland and Summerland are inviting Farnworth to tour the rockslide and other pin points between the two communities to “appreciate the issue’s magnitude.”
However, they are also open to meeting with Farnworth in Victoria to discuss potential solutions for road improvements.