Request to provide financial resources in order to maintain an emergency, alternate route between Penticton and Kelowna in the event Highway 97 were to be closed for a significant period of time. The Forest Service Road 201 has been the primary, default emergency route, however, as we saw on January 27, 2025 when the Bennett Bridge was shut down for a number of hours, vehicles attempted to drive an unmaintained FSR 201 and required rescue and towing services.
The proposal sent to Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar et al requests funding be provided to the logging contract holder who is responsible for the FSR 201 to implement snow removal services, and ensure it never exceeds 25cm of snow. In the event that the Ministry of Transportation need to activate FSR 201 during a prolonged closure of Highway 97, maintained snow removal would see the FSR 201 activated within hours instead of days.
The dual benefit of this proposal includes:
1. Provides economic support for the forestry sector during a period of significant industry distress; and
2. It ensures the rapid operational readiness of Forest Service Road 201, safeguarding public mobility and
economic continuity for the South Okanagan region.
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- Awarding, amendment or termination of any contract, grant or financial benefit by or on behalf of the government of British Columbia or a Provincial entity
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Economic Development and Trade, Emergency Preparedness, Forestry, Health, Municipal Affairs, Small Business, Tourism, Transportation
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