$231 MILLION TO FUND B.C. HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS

Dangerous highway to be fixed – CHBC Video
Web posted on Thursday, 24 July 2008

The federal and provincial government both pledge millions toward improvements on Highway 97 through Lake Country.

KELOWNA – The Province and the Government of Canada will jointly fund up to $231 million worth of National Highway System improvements in B.C., under the Building Canada Plan. A number of specific highway improvements will be announced in the coming weeks, demonstrating both governments’ commitment to developing world-class infrastructure. Premier Gordon Campbell made the announcement today, along with Stockwell Day, federal Minister of Public Safety on behalf of Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Kevin Falcon, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Ron Cannan, MP for Kelowna-Lake Country, and Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Al Horning. “This investment is an outstanding example of our ongoing partnership with the federal government, and our continued commitment to deliver needed road projects throughout the province,” said Premier Campbell. “We’re enhancing B.C.’s highway system to improve safety, enhance the flow of goods and people, and tap into new opportunities in trade and tourism.”

The first project to receive funding involves building a nine-kilometre four-lane highway west of the existing two-lane section of Highway 97 between Winfield and Oyama. The Province will contribute $44.3 million and the federal government will provide up to $33.6 million through the Building Canada Plan toward the total $77.9-million cost. Work is scheduled to be completed by 2012.