An Okanagan MP is asking the federal government about improving a forest service road so it can be an alternative to Highway 97.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conservative MP for Okanagan Lake West-South Kelowna, Dan Albas, brought the issue of an alternative route through the Okanagan to Ottawa during question period today, Sept. 26.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Highway 97 has been shut down for landslides, wildfires, and even a\u00a0bomb threat on the William R. Bennett Bridge<\/a>. Albas wants federal support to improve Forest Service Road 201 so it can be a reliable backup route in case of emergencies where the highway is shut down, according to a release from Albas.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen Highway 97 shuts down due to landslides, wildfires or serious accidents, Okanagan residents \u2014 including cancer patients and essential workers \u2014 are stranded,\u201d Albas said. \u201cMany are forced onto dangerous, poorly marked forest roads like FSR 201. Upgrading this route will give families, businesses, and first responders a dependable alternative.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most notable closure in recent years was the landslide near Summerland that shut the highway down in 2023. Work to stabilize that section of highway is still ongoing.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Albas is trying to get the federal government to repay the province for half of the $23.2 million stabilization project so the provincial government can use that money to upgrade FSR 201.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOur government is always committed to working with provinces to ensure that Canadian residents are safe. We look forward to ongoing discussions in this regard continuing so that we can find a solution that works for everyone,\u201d Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Jennifer McKelvie said in response to Albas during the question period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n