The day Kelowna stood still: The case for a second bridge
Monday, Jan. 27, started like most other Mondays until the moment you arrived at work, checked the local news, or attempted to cross the bridge.
The one and only bridge from Kelowna out to the Westside, was closed and not expected to open for most of the day. This suddenly became a significant factor in many people’s day. It left many businesses, including the hospital and the airport short staffed along with many people stranded and unable to make it to work or important appointments.
Some chose to make difficult and lengthy drives on poorly serviced routes. Others cancelled morning meetings and rearranged the schedule. It may have worked well for some this Monday morning, but for many, it had bigger consequences.
That Monday was a day that would show the inadequacies of relying on one bridge alone.
A bomb threat – made by one individual and one vehicle – was all it took to leave people scrambling. Kelowna was suddenly at a standstill and understaffed due to stranded citizens. The threat shut down the bridge for over 10 hours until the Explosives Disposal Unit from Vancouver could ensure public safety.
If you don’t know the Kelowna area very well, let me explain the complicated matter that this became. West Kelowna is a mere 15 kilometres from Kelowna, but they are separated by Okanagan Lake. The hospital is located in Kelowna and is roughly a 15-20 minute drive from West Kelowna, where many of the staff live, as well as Peachland, which is a longer commute.
Many businesses operate in downtown Kelowna with staff that commute from various parts of the city and surrounding areas. The airport is also located in Kelowna with travellers coming in from as far away as Penticton and Merritt. Anyone accessing Kelowna services from the West is at the mercy of one way into town – the William R. Bennett bridge.
One of the biggest issues of the day was gaining hospital access. Hospital staff had to be ferried across the lake to the hospital via police boats. Patients who needed access to care, even surgery, were faced with less than desirable choices – rescheduling or to get really creative. Amongst the creative choices: you could take a harrowing drive down Westside Road and arrive two hours late or take an even worse drive down forest service roads and likely get stuck in the snow, not arriving at all.
Finally, local helicopter companies were offering rides to the airport and to the hospital, a great option if the increase in cost was palatable.
Accessing the airport was another huge issue. One couple was in danger of missing their flight to their own destination wedding. I am sure there were many stories like theirs as well as staffing issues for the airport and for flights.
I began to think of all the ways it would affect our community if the bridge had actually sustained damage. It could take many months, if not years, to repair and in the meantime, it would separate families, quadruple commutes, potentially ruin businesses, affect tourism, and affect students commuting to college, university or accessing courses in other communities.
It’s worth mentioning that on the day the current William R. Bennett bridge opened in 2008, Bennett himself suggested the government should also consider building another crossing.
Our communities are so connected. If you live in Kelowna, you may be less likely to travel to West Kelowna. However, you will notice if your West Kelowna neighbours don’t show up to work. If you live in West Kelowna, you likely go to Kelowna quite often. If you are not a daily commuter, you may need to access services such as government services in the downtown core or something as simple as going to Costco.
This conversation extends beyond just Kelowna and West Kelowna. My colleagues and I have also discussed alternative routes for the entire Okanagan along Highway 97 between West Kelowna and Penticton. That same beautiful lake that makes our region so appealing for tourism also presents a major challenge for transportation.
Finding solutions will take creativity and forward-thinking, and this is something your elected officials in the Okanagan are ready to work on.
As your MLA, I can be your voice and advocate for a second crossing in Victoria.
What do you think? Do Kelowna and West Kelowna need a second crossing?
Kristina Loewen
kristina.loewen.mla@leg.bc.ca
Source Kelowna Now
