Okanagan Lake Second Crossing Project

Central Okanagan Planning Study Existing Conditions and Performance Assessment

Consultation Companion Open House — Spring 2015 College Way Welcome /Clerke Rd

City of Vernon Thank you for participating in the Phase 1 consultation for the Okanagan Lake Kalamalka Lake Second Crossing Project. This Consultation Companion document explores current conditions on the Highway 97 corridor through Central Okanagan District of Lake Country between Peachland and Lake Country and important factors to consider in long-term planning, including a possible second crossing of Okanagan Lake. The accompanying Feedback Form seeks your input on these considerations.

OKIB IR #7 How to get involved and help plan for the future: • Visit engage.gov.bc.ca/okanagansecondcrossing – read consultation

WFN IR #10 materials and technical information Highway 97

H ighwa • Attend an open house – see schedule below H y 33 ig WFN h WFN w District IR #8 ay 97 of West IR #9 C Kelowna City of Kelowna • Arrange a presentation/dialogue session for your group or organization Okanagan Lake

District of • Read this Consultation Companion and complete a Feedback Form Peachland (online or hard copy)

Greata Ranch • Sign up to receive ongoing updates – see contact details below Winery Please submit your feedback by May 31, 2015.

Public Open House Schedule*

Community Date Time Venue

Kelowna Tuesday, 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm Ramada Kelowna May 19, 2015 Hotel and Conference Centre, 2170 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna

Photo courtesy: tourismkelowna.com West Kelowna Wednesday, 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm Westbank Lions - Kelowna Daily Courier.ca May 20, 2015 Community Centre, 2466 Main Street, West Kelowna

*Please visit engage.gov.bc.ca/okanagansecondcrossing for the most current information

Stakeholder Meetings In addition to open houses and online consultation, the project team is meeting with stakeholder groups being established in consultation with local governments and organizations, allowing more in-depth discussion with representatives of local and regional business, environmental, transportation, agricultural and other interests.

Other Opportunities Presentations and dialogue sessions with local groups and organizations can be arranged by contacting us via the information below. Also, watch for café- style drop-in sessions in coming weeks. Web: engage.gov.bc.ca/okanagansecondcrossing Email: [email protected] Photo courtesy: tourismkelowna.com Phone: 250-712-3660

2 Central Okanagan Planning Study Planning for the Future Since 2001, the Highway 97 corridor in the Central Okanagan area has received Stages of Planning over $400 million in upgrades to improve safety and mobility. This includes the and Consultation replacement of the lake crossing on Highway 97 with the new W.R. Bennett Bridge in 2008. ONGOING At the time it was built, it was estimated that the new bridge would be adequate for 25 years, and current growth projections continue to support Community & that estimate. However, the long-term view requires that planning begin now Stakeholder Dialogue to address future mobility in the Central Okanagan, including congestion relief. On September 15, 2014, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure announced that Delcan Corporation (now Parsons) had been selected as the Phase 1, Part 1 consulting firm to undertake this planning study. The study area for the Highway Existing Conditions & 97 corridor extends from Greata Ranch, 4 km south of Peachland, northward to WE ARE Performance Assessment HERE Clerke Road / College Way south of Vernon, encompassing the communities of • Data collection & Peachland, West Kelowna, Kelowna, Lake Country, the West Bank First Nation analysis and Okanagan Indian Band. • Consultation The planning study will examine the Central Okanagan to understand and explore the transportation needs of the area. The study will look at route options including preferred locations for a future alternate lake crossing and potential timing for future project planning purposes. Phase 1, Part 2 Future Needs Assessment Your Input is Important • Forecasting & analysis Your input will help determine the collective interests that need to be • Consultation considered in developing requirements and potential options for future transportation improvements in the Central Okanagan. The Ministry will consider input from this consultation in conjunction with existing provincial plans, technical data and local government input as it works to develop the picture of future needs for discussion and further public consultation. Phase 2, Part 1 Exploring the Options Purpose of this Consultation • Options & analysis The study of Existing Conditions and Corridor Performance considers: • Consultation • Trends in population, economic development, land use, sustainability initiatives, community livability, traffic and travel modes in the Central Okanagan • Travel patterns, the role and function of the Highway 97 corridor and the Phase 2, Part 2 W.R. Bennett Bridge, and the needs of all users, including car drivers, goods Charting a Course movers, transit riders, carpoolers, cyclists and pedestrians • Recommendations • The performance of the corridor, including congestion and safety factors for the future • Connection to and support for local, regional, provincial and national • Consultation growth and transportation plans • Your experience with respect to all of the above Community & Future consultations will consider: Stakeholder Dialogue • Future transportation needs ONGOING • Possible improvement options for the long and near-to-intermediate term • Your input

Consultation Companion | Open House - Spring 2015 3 History How to use The Okanagan Lake Crossing this Consultation Like much of British Columbia and other parts of Canada, the Central Okanagan has a rich history that features First Nations hunter-gatherers, Companion fur traders from the Old World, missionaries and seekers of gold. European settlement in the 1800s laid the foundation for trade and agriculture. As the early crops of tobacco gave way to fruit orchards, Kelowna was incorporated This booklet is designed as a city in 1905. to work as a companion to information displays and The wood-burning the Feedback Form, which vessel S.S. Aberdeen, includes questions related launched by the CPR in to each section of the May 1893, was the first Companion. sternwheel steamer on Relevant Feedback Okanagan Lake. In the Form questions are 20th century, cars and noted throughout the passengers were ferried booklet. Participants are between Kelowna encouraged to read each and West Bank by the section of the Guide and Pendozi, Lequime (later Photo courtesy: Kelowna Public Archives, Ref. KPA#6125 then complete the same renamed Fintry Queen) section of the Feedback and Lloyd Jones. Form before moving to the next section. Your responses, combined with those of other participants, will help in confirming the existing conditions and performance of the Highway 97 corridor, and in setting the stage for Photo courtesy: Robert Cortright, Bridge Ink determining future needs. In 1958, the original Okanagan Lake Floating Bridge was opened as the first of its kind in Canada, and one of just a few floating bridges on the continent.

Fifty years later, with the capacity of the original three- lane bridge stretched beyond its limits, the new floating bridge, named after Kelowna- born former premier William R. Bennett, was opened. Featuring five lanes, it is expected to provide sufficient capacity well beyond 2030.

4 Central Okanagan Planning Study W.R. Bennett Bridge Profile Peak Hour Snapshot: Who Crosses Okanagan Lake? Use of Past Studies

Transit 0.3% Accounts for as much as The corridor has been 7% of people travelling studied in the past, resulting in the identification of route improvements. Many of these have been completed HOV 38% or initiated, such as the W. R. Bennett Bridge, the Westside Road Interchange, Light Trucks 2.2% Highway 97 six-laning from Highway 33 to Edwards Road, four-laning from Heavy Trucks 0.8% Winfield to Oyama and HOV lanes in Kelowna. This study draws on Cars 58.7% previous and current studies, including those Transit that have led to plans for future safety and Transit comprises about 0.3 per cent of peak period (4 p.m. to 5 p.m.) traffic mobility improvements on the approaches to the bridge, but carries up to 7 per cent of people making at intersections through trips. BC Transit operates one primary bus route on the bridge, which is the Westbank First Nation RapidBus connecting UBCO to the Westbank Exchange. This route generates and West Kelowna. In up to 15 buses per hour during the peak period, and ridership has risen about addition, it considers the 10% since the RapidBus service was introduced in 2010. inputs and outcomes of Carpoolers the 2011 Okanagan Valley Transportation Symposium HOV users (carpool and vanpool) comprise about 38 per cent of peak period while taking into account corridor traffic. changes that have occurred or are expected in local, Trucks regional and provincial Trucks represent 3 per cent of peak period corridor traffic, and up to 10 per infrastructure and travel cent during off-peak times. Light trucks making local deliveries are 75 per cent patterns. of the truck traffic, while the other 25 per cent are heavy trucks hauling goods We begin with a look at and materials. existing conditions and Cars corridor performance: where we live, work and go, The remaining 58.7 per cent of corridor users are single-occupant cars. and our travel experience Cyclists and Pedestrians along the way...confirming scientifically what users As a proportion of total travel on the corridor, active transportation is very minor. already know from However, its contribution to sustainability and healthy lifestyles is significant experience. and is being recognized with investment in active transportation infrastructure and convenient connections with other sustainable modes such as transit.

Consultation Companion | Open House - Spring 2015 5 The Regional Context The Regional Transportation Network In recent years, the regional transportation network has undergone significant improvements for all modes of travel. While automobile use dominates (81.6% of the labour force drives a car, truck or van, 10% higher than the provincial average), investment to support all modes of travel is intended to support healthy, sustainable lifestyles. Overall, with the level of investment that has occurred, the physical condition of the existing highway infrastructure in the corridor is generally quite good.

Highlights of past, current & announced projects:

Highway improvements Transit improvements Active Transportation • W. R. Bennett Bridge • RapidBus service connecting • Growth in Kelowna’s Active • Westside Road Interchange West Kelowna, Westbank Transportation Corridors and • Highway 97 six-laning from First Nation, Kelowna & UBCO, cycling network Water St to Edwards Rd with direct access provided by • Development and the frequent transit network • Four-laning from Winfield implementation of Pedestrian to Oyama • Five new RapidBus stations, and Bicycle Infrastructure Plan doubling the total to ten in West Kelowna • HOV lanes in Kelowna • Improvements to four transit • ICBC and BikeBC investments • Numerous intersection upgrades exchanges in cycling and pedestrian • Real-time passenger information infrastructure in Kelowna, displays West Kelowna and Lake Country • Addition of 15,000 annual service hours in fall 2014 How often “ do you Existing Multi-Modal Transportation Network travel on the

r LEGEND D

e r

o m

Highway 97 Transit Exchange n

e l

Rapidbus Station G ° RapidBus Hwy 97 corridor in Frequent Network Service CN Rail line

the Central Hwy 97 (Study Section) Highway Arterial

Okanagan? Local Road Network R

t u

l

d n

Cycling Network a

R

d

N

d R

e d i WFN s t

s IR #10 e W ” Hwy

3 District of West Kelowna 3 Springfield Rd

d

R K.L.O Rd

e

i

r

e

h r

c City of Kelowna D

u n o o B d r o G

G le n WFN r o G e s l

l a IR #9 e

H t R l w y y d 97C R d t t S o

b b

A

District of Photo courtesy: tourismkelowna.com Peachland - Enviro Foto Inc. J.F. Bergeron

6 Central Okanagan Planning Study Regional Travel Patterns External Trips into the Region—How They’re Distributed As the largest concentration of population and employment in the region, Kelowna has a major influence on travel patterns in the Central Okanagan and is the primary destination for those arriving from North of Study Area outside the region. (12,390)

10% Over 25,000 vehicles/day enter the Central Okanagan - most destined (1,250) for Central Okanagan Communities. Interestingly, only about one-third of all vehicles entering the Central Okanagan actually cross the bridge. Nearly half the traffic entering from the south ends up in Peachland, West Kelowna or Westbank first Nation, and more than three-quarters of the traffic from the north goes no further than Kelowna.

Peachland/West Kelowna/WFN

% % 48 % 81 (6,180) 10 (10,040) (1,240) W.R. BENNETT BRIDGE % 43 (5,560) Kelowna/ Approximately Lake Country what percentage (1,110)9 % W “ of Study Area of your total est/South (12,990) trips take you outside the ° *Numbers shown are Average Daily Traffic (veh/day) study area?” and based on data collected in 2014

don’t involve 27% Kelowna are through All trips in the Region — 3% Kelowna Kelowna’s role Among all the trips in the Central Okanagan area (i.e. originating both within and outside the region), nearly three-quarters involve Kelowna in some are to/from way. Nearly half (42%) are contained 28% Kelowna within the city itself, 28% are going to Chart or from Kelowna, and 3% are just passing through. are within 42% Kelowna

Consultation Companion | Open House - Spring 2015 7 Traffic Characteristics

One Region—Many Subsets District of Traffic volumes are Lake Country Traffic patterns typically fall into three major categories: highest on the William R. • Urban – notable AM and PM peaks with sustained high Bennett Bridge. However, the greatest congestion traffic volumes during the day. lies in the urban portions • Suburban – very pronounced AM and PM peaks, of the corridor on either with lower traffic mid-day and high Saturday traffic. side of the bridge, which have less capacity than • Non-Urban / Rural – no notable peak hours, traffic builds the bridge itself. OKIB in the morning, then stays steady through the day. IR #9 • All three categories exist on the Highway 97 corridor in the Central Okanagan. The effects of summer traffic are more pronounced in the rural areas, as the growth of the urban areas has created a higher City of Kelowna WFN proportion of local traffic throughout the day, year-round. IR #10

District of West Kelowna WFN IR #9

District of LEGEND Peachland ° Average Annual Daily Traffic 0 - 10,000 10,000 - 20,000 20,000 - 30,000 30,000 - 40,000 40,000 - 50,000 50,000+ Photo courtesy: tourismkelowna.com - Lopez 2008

Highway 97 Central Okanagan Traffic Characteristics

Section Fall/Winter/Spring Summer

South of Vernon Typical suburban pattern, indicating AM and PM peaks are present, but higher importance of commuting tourist traffic means volumes continue to build through the day Lake Country Typical suburban pattern; peak volumes AM and PM peaks are slightly higher than are about half of Kelowna Fall/Winter/Spring; mid-day volumes are considerably higher

Kelowna Typical urban pattern, high commuter Summer traffic volumes are slightly influence higher

West Kelowna / WFN Typical suburban pattern Traffic builds steadily through the morning and stays high all day

Peachland Peak hours are later in the AM and earlier Summer volumes are considerably higher in the PM than most urban areas than the rest of the year

South of Peachland Typical non-urban patterns Summer traffic is much higher than the rest of the year (37% higher)

8 Central Okanagan Planning Study 68% Kelowna Peachland/W. Kelowna/WFN 68% Kelowna Peachland/W. Kelowna/WFN 11% Kelowna South of Peachland 11% Kelowna South of Peachland 8% Kelowna Hwy 97C 8% Kelowna Hwy 97C 5% Peachland/W. Kelowna/WFN N. of RDCO 5% Peachland/W. Kelowna/WFN N. of RDCO 2% Peachland/W. Kelowna/WFN Other RDCO locations 2% Peachland/W. Kelowna/WFN Other RDCO locations 1% Hwy 97C Other RDCO locations 1% Hwy 97C Other RDCO locations 1% South of Peachland Other RDCO locations 68%1% SouthKelowna of P eachland Peachland/ OtherW. Kelowna/WFN RDCO locations 4% pass through the Central Okanagan 11%4% passKelowna through the South Central of POkanaganeachland 8% Kelowna Hwy 97C Seasonal Traffic Profile 70,000 W.R. Bennett Bridge: Seasonal Traffic Profile Peachland/W. Kelowna/WFN70,000 N. of RDCO 60,000 5% y a Annual Average D Traffic at the Crossing 60,000 50,000 r y e a Annual Average Peachland/W. Kelowna/WFN Other RDCO locations P

D

Daily traffic in 2% 50,000 s 40,000 r e l e c P

August is 17% i Meeting Current Needs 30,000

s 40,000 h

Hwy 97C Othere RDCO locations e 1% higher than l c V i 30,000 20,000 As the only crossing of Okanagan Lake, h

the annual e

South of PeachlandV Other RDCO locations 10,000 the William R. Bennett Bridge is a key 1% average of 20,000 10,000 0 l t i r approximately t c v g y e r y b component of the Highway 97 corridor in the n l a c p e o a u p e n a e u O J D A F A J M N u S M pass53,000. through the Central0 Okanagan J l t i r t c v g y e

4% r y b Central Okanagan. Not only does it connect n l a c p e o a u p e n a e u O J D A F A J M N u S M the communities on the east and west sides J Average Daily Traffic of the lake, but it also supports longer distance Average Daily Traffic travel from the South Okanagan to Kelowna Seasonal Traffic Profile International Airport (YLW) the North Okanagan, 70,000 Hourly Traffic - Fall Hourly Traffic - Summer 36500,000 3500 Hourly Traffic - Fall y Shuswap and national parks in the Rocky a Annual AvHourlyerage Traffic - Summer 3500 D 3000 3000 3 5050,000 r

The hourly e

Mountains. It is expected to meet or exceed P 3000 3 0205000 2500

s 40,000

traffic reflects e l c its capacity expectancy of 25250 0years. 2i 5230000,000 2000 commuter h e 2000 travel patterns, 2V 0120500,000 1500

Regional Traffic Dominates1500 the Bridge with high 15110000,000 1000 raffic Volumes (vph) raffic Volumes (vph) T morning and T 1000 1005000 0 500 l t i r t

A snapshot of traffic on the bridge shows the c v g y e r y b n l a raffic Volumes (vph) c p e raffic Volumes (vph) o a u p e n

afternoon peak a e u T T O J D A F A J M N u 0 S 500 M 0 500 J effect of the growing population and economy hours. 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 0 0 HAovuerr aogf eD aDyaily Traffic Hour of Day of the Central Okanagan area. In0 years2 4 past,6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 the difference between daily traffic volumes Hour of Day WestboundHour of Day Eastbound Westbound Eastbound in the summer and fall/winter/spring was Westbound Eastbound Westbound Eastbound much greater than today. While tourist trafficHourly Traffic - Fall Hourly Traffic - Summer 3500 3500 continues to grow, today’s traffic is dominated 3000 3000 by commuters and local purpose travel as the 2500 2500 proportion of local traffic is growing faster. 2000 Summer traffic 2000 stays higher 1500 1500 The summer traffic doesn’t appear to have a major during the day impact on the peak commuter1 0hours,00 but it results 1000

raffic Volumes (vph) than in the rest raffic Volumes (vph) T in elevated traffic levels throughout500 the day. of the year. T 500 0 0 Fully 87% of the traffic on the bridge0 2 is4 travelling6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 Hour of Day Hour of Day between Kelowna and all points west and south Westbound Eastbound Westbound Eastbound of the lake crossing. Only 13% of the bridge traffic simply passes through Kelowna. Just 4%* of bridge traffic is simply passing through Where are the trips between? are between the City of Kelowna and 68% Peachland/West Kelowna/WFN the entire Central Okanagan. are between the City of Kelowna and 87% 11% south of Peachland are between the City of Kelowna and *The difference between this 4% figure and the 3% figure 8% Hwy 97C on page 7: the 3% figure on page 7 refers to all trips in the are between Peachland/West Kelowna/ Central Okanagan, not all of which involve the bridge; the 5% WFN and north of RDCO 4% figure on this page refers only to traffic on the bridge. are between Peachland/West Kelowna/WFN 2% and other Central Okanagan locations are between Hwy 97C and other 1% Central Okanagan locations 13% are between south of Peachland and 1% other Central Okanagan locations

4% pass through the Central Okanagan

How often do you travel More than two-thirds (68%) of the trips on the bridge are between “ across the bridge?” Kelowna and Peachland/West Kelowna/Westbank First Nation.

Consultation Companion | Open House - Spring 2015 9 LEGEND ° Employment Locations (jobs) Population Density (per km2) 0 - 350 0 - 700 350 - 1,000 700 - 2,000 1,000 - 3,000 2,000 - 3,300 3,000 - 7,000 3,300 - 5,600 5,600 - 11,060

The Growing Region LEGEND Population and Demographics ° Employment Locations (jobs) Population Density (per km2) 0 - 350 0 - 700

Ü The population of the Central Okanagan is 187,058 350 - 1,000 700 - 2,000 Ü 1,000 - 3,000 2,000 - 3,300 (2014), with the vast majority located in Kelowna 3,000 - 7,000 3,300 - 5,600

5,600 - 11,060 Ü (65%) and West Kelowna (17%). From 1996 to Ü 2011, the Central Okanagan population grew Ü Ü Ü

Ü

Ü Ü 32%, and Kelowna’s population grew 31%, much Ü

Ü

Ü Ü Ü Ü higher than the provincial average of 18%. The Ü Ü

Ü Ü

Ü trend over 15 years has also shown a gradual Ü Ü

increase in the annual growth rate. By 2034, the Ü Ü

Ü

Central Okanagan population is expected to grow Ü

Ü Ü Ü

Ü Ü Ü to nearly 255,000, an increase of more than 36% Ü Ü

Ü

Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü in 20 years. Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü

Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü With a median age of 44.2, the population in the Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü

Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü ÜÜÜ Ü Ü Ü area tends to be older than the rest of British Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü ÜÜ Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Columbia (41.9) and Canada (40.6). Seniors (aged Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü ÜÜ Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü 65 and older) make up a major segment of the Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü total population at 19.2%, compared to the British Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Columbia average of 15.7% and the Canadian Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü average of 14.8%. By 2034, about 24% of the Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü population is projected to be in the senior category. Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü ÜÜ Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü ÜÜ Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü As this grows, the need for transportation systems Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü ÜÜ Ü Ü to support the needs of an aging population may Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü

Ü Ü become more important in the area. Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü

Ü Ü Ü Ü

Ü Ü Ü Ü When looking at the modes of transportation Ü Ü

Ü

Ü Ü

Ü Ü Ü Ü for the employed labour force, the region has a Ü Ü Ü Ü

Ü much higher rate of vehicular travel (81.6%) as Ü

Ü compared to the province (71.3%) and a lower Ü Central Okanagan Geographic rate of public transit use (3.4% versus 12.6% Population Distribution (2013) respectively). BC Transit’s Transit Future Plan for the Central Okanagan seeks to double the share 119,651 of transit ridership to 7% by 2035.

31,212 Kelowna West Kelowna Lake Country 12,149 Peachland 5,153 Unincorporated 16,430 Areas

Central Okanagan Age Distribution

66.2%

19.2%

Less than 15 years 15-64 years

14.7& Aged 65 and over

Photo courtesy: tourismkelowna.com - Brian Sprout

10 Central Okanagan Planning Study Economy The Okanagan Valley is within reach of a regional market that exceeds nine million consumers within a range of 600 km, equivalent to a one-day trip by road. More than 56 million consumers are located within 2,500 km by road and less than 3 hours by air. Construction, retail and wholesale trade, healthcare and social assistance industries in the Kelowna census area employ more than Central Okanagan 36,000 individuals accountingCentral for Okanagan 40% of total employment. Another 18,500 individuals, or 20%, are employed in professional services, educational services and accommodation food services industries. This industrial distribution of employment is in general similar to that for s all of British Columbia. More than 30,000 jobs iu Major Seaport s Major Seaport d Major Airport iu ra in Kelowna are in industries that are highly ad Major Airport m Study Area r Study Area k km 600 dependent on the transportation network.600 With reasonable proximity to major coastal and inland ports, the Central Okanagan area is well-positioned for trade. While transportation Retail Trade = 11,895 of goods through the area does not represent a Construction = 9,135 major proportion of vehicular traffic, good quality 30,760 infrastructure helps maintain the competitiveness Manufacturing = 5,010 of the region, particularly for the distribution of Jobs Wholesale Trade = 3,495 agricultural and manufactured products. Agriculture = 1,225 Supported by the area’s climate, natural beauty, vineyards, craft breweries, distilleries and related This figure shows Employment in Key Industries Depending on Transportation, for Kelowna (not the entire region), 2010. culinary sector, tourism is a major economic driver for the region. According to a 2011 study done for Tourism Kelowna, visitor spending in Kelowna and The Cost of Congestion area amounts to over $279 million per year. The provincial highway provides vital connections to Corridor improvements cost money, but so does congestion. local road networks and even to the airport, which A forecast by HDR Consultants in 2009 predicted that by greeted a record 1.6 million passengers in 2014. 2030, the cost of congestion in the Central Okanagan (i.e. value of lost travel time due to excess commuting In 2014, employment in Kelowna amounted delays) would average $937 per year per commuter. Excess to approximately 91,500 jobs, which, despite vehicle operating costs add another $104 annually to the a dip in 2012 and 2013, is 17% higher than in burden. There are even impacts on labour and business 2004. This 10-year rate of employment growth activity. If congestion issues remain unaddressed there is greater than the 14.5% experienced by the would be a cumulative reduction of more than 900 jobs province overall. and business revenues of more than $72 million by 2030. The economic outlook for the Okanagan is positive, Information such as this helps government decision- with more than 70% of employers anticipating makers as they consider the business case for a period of growth over the next five years. The infrastructure investment. annual rate of growth in the Central Okanagan workforce is forecast by employers to be 3.1%.

Consultation Companion | Open House - Spring 2015 11 Land Use Legend A-5 Regional Land Use Inventory Land use and transportation Regional and Municipal boundaries Regional District of Central Okanagan are closely linked. Official Community Plan Boundaries Regional Growth Strategy The Highway 97 corridor Area Structure Plans/Comprehensive Development Areas Source data: Regional and Municipal Official Community Plans as of July 2012. provides connections to: Major Lakes and Wetlands Regional Land Use

• Regional employment AGRICULTURE and service centres such COMMERCIAL FIRST NATION RESERVE (future planning) as the university, airport, FUTURE URBAN RESERVE

hospital, industrial and INDUSTRIAL commercial areas; INSTITUTIONAL PARK RECREATION OPEN SPACE

• Outlying areas such as RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM AND HIGH DENSITY

Peachland and Lake RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY Country, which are RESORT dominated by single family RURAL RURAL RESERVE residences. Residents travel to the larger centres for employment, shopping, education and entertainment; • Dispersed development, influenced by topography and historical settlement 4 patterns which creates challenges for 0 2 4 8 12 16 Kilometres service by public transit.

For many sections of the corridor, the Highway Land Use Map – Regional District of Central Okanagan is the only available direct route, used by both local and through traffic. Existing development, environmental constraints and the agricultural land reserve limit opportunities for local parallel road alternatives, putting pressure on existing corridors. Land use and transportation patterns are slow to change. Municipal official community plans look ahead 20 years, and planning for This map is compiled from Regional and Municipal major transportation facilities generally4 begins Official Community Plans as of July 2012. For more current land use information see the Photo courtesy: tourismkelowna.com at least 20 years before implementation.0 2 For4 8 12 16 appropriate local government documents. Kilometres transportation planning purposes, we can expect that residential areas will tend to remain residential and that commercial and employment centres will largely remain in their current locations. As the region grows, more efficient land use by way of infilling and higher density development will be encouraged. By directing growth to existing areas, sprawling development patterns will be discouraged. However, urban densification, live/ work developments and similar initiatives create new transportation network demands.

Photo courtesy: tourismkelowna.com - Delta Grand Okanagan Resort Kelowna

12 Central Okanagan Planning Study WFN W Horiz estside RdIR #10 District of Peachland on Dr/Boucherie Rd Nancee W

Key Activity Centres & Pedestrian Connectors ay To d d R P C d d Where We Go (South/West) o le R nd me ll Peachland e e W b

r n p

Peachland and West Kelowna’s town centreso generate significant travel by all modes. Active mode connections B Town Centre t estlak s s

a m a C R

D r a o

across the highway are important in these areas.r t l C

r s e

s e Rd

P y

r R

i R

The Town Centre, commercialnc zone and commercial/industrial district in West Kelowna are major travel generators. d

e d ton

Av Good pedestrian access to transit wille help to provide travel choices. Daimler Dr

W WFN Horiz estside RdIR #10 District of Peachland on Dr/Boucherie Rd Nancee W Boucherie Mountain Exchange W WFN Horiz estside Rd ay IR #10

To District of West Kelowna d District of Peachland E

d on Dr/Boucherie Rd R P C d d B Nancee W o le R nd me ll o e Peachland u e W b P r n O n p

o B Town Centre t estlak a d

s s l

a m R a C d a y n t e r

a

D r a y

o

r T t

r

O l C

r o s e

y

d s e Rd y

P k d

r R

R

R i a

nc R d

/ H e

d e n

to P C d d B d n a

A o le R

nd g l r

ve me E l l o Daimler Dr b e r e Peachland a

l i o t W

e w b n

r n p

B

Town Centre o n estlak

t t H s

s

a m R R d R d

a C R w

D r a

o d

r Glenr t y

Westbank B l C r s u e

WFN s e Rd

P Boucherie MountainExchange tt y

r Rd R

i R nc osa / GellatlyExchange Rd

IR #9 d

e d District of Westto nKelowna

A E Gosset / Gellatly Rd

v e B Daimler Dr o

u P

O n 1 a

d

l d y n t e r

a

r O

y k

R a

/ H e n

d West Kelowna

B

a

g r

E l o Town Centre

b e r a l i o t R d

w Boucherie Mountain n

n

t H R d

Exchange R w LEGEND

Glenr d

Westbank y B u

Exchange tt WFN District of West Kelowna Rd E

osa / Gellatly Rd Protected Pedestrian Crossings IR #9 B ° Town Centre Gosset / Gellatly Rd o u Commercial Vehicle Grade Separation w/Sidewalks P

O n 1 a

d

l d

y n t e r Employment Centre Signalized Intersection w/Crosswalk

a

r O

y

West Kelowna k School within 200 m Grade Separated Pedestrian Crossing

R Town Centre a

/ H e n

d of HWY

B

a

g r LEGEND E l

y 97C o

b e r a

l i o t R d w

WFNHighwa n

Protectedn Pedestrian Crossings t Horiz W Town Centre H Bus Stop R d estside Rd

° R IR #10 Vehiclew Grade Separation w/Sidewalks Cycling Facilities on Hwy 97

Glenr Commercial d

Westbank y B Transit Exchange District of Peachland u on Dr/Boucherie Rd EmplEoymentxchange Centre Signalized Intersectiontt w/CrosswalkWFN Shared Pathway Nancee W Rd 2 osa / Gellatly RdSchool within 200 m Grade Separated Pedestrian CrIRossing #9 of HWY y 97C a Gosset / Gellatly Rd Highwa y To d Bus Stop d 1 Cycling Facilities on Hwy 97 R Transit Exchange P C d d Shared Pathway o le R nd 2 ll me Peachland e West Kelowna e W b r n p

o B Town Centre Town Centre t estlak s s

a m a C R

D r a o

r t l C

r s LEGEND e

s e Rd

P y

r R

i R nc d Protected Pedestrian Crossings e d ton Town Centre ° Av Commercial Vehicle Grade Separation w/Sidewalks e Daimler Dr Do your trips take you to or from Employment Centre Signalized Intersection w/Crosswalk one of the key activity centres School within 200 m Grade Separated Pedestrian Crossing “ of HWY y 97C shown in these maps? Boucherie Mountain Highwa Exchange Bus Stop Cycling Facilities on Hwy 97

District of West Kelowna Transit Exchange

E Shared Pathway B ” o 2

u P

O n

a

d

l d y n t e r

a

r O

Consultationy Companion | Open House - Spring 2015 13 k

R a

/ H e n

d

B

a

g r

E l o

b e r a

l i o t R d

w

n

n

t H

R d

R w

Glenr d

Westbank y B u Exchange tt WFN Rd osa / Gellatly Rd IR #9 1 Gosset / Gellatly Rd

West Kelowna Town Centre LEGEND ° Town Centre Protected Pedestrian Crossings Commercial Vehicle Grade Separation w/Sidewalks Employment Centre Signalized Intersection w/Crosswalk School within 200 m Grade Separated Pedestrian Crossing of HWY y 97C Highwa Bus Stop Cycling Facilities on Hwy 97 Transit Exchange 2 Shared Pathway Where We Go (North/East) The majority of travel generators east of Okanagan Lake are located around Kelowna’s core area, along the extensive commercial strip and industrial zone, as well as the airport and UBCO.

District of Lake Country Edwards Rd

Sexsmith Rd Old Vernon Rd

Berry Rd Oceola Rd

Pollard Rd OKIB Beaver Lake Rd IR #7 City of Kelowna

Commonwealth Rd LEGEND

Town Centre McCurdy Rd ° Commercial

UBCO Old Vernon G l e n m o r Employment Centre University Rd Way Major Institutional Airport Way 4 School within 200 m

Airport e D r Leathead Rd of HWY ay 3 W ise rpr te Bus Stop 4 En Transit Exchange Cl em en Protected Pedestrian Crossings Queensway ts D i l Hwy 33 Rd Z i p r Exchange C Vehicle Grade Separation l w Lawrence Ave o p e r R w/Sidewalks o r i c k R t h D r B Signalized Intersection

a d d nk w/Crosswalk s R L d A ec Grade Separated Pedestrian b P a k b i E R o n e R Crossing t d i c h

t h e l S G

t o S B D

d p S s o r u r

y t a t a l D r e r S

S y d o n Cycling Facilities on Hwy 97 t

t t t Orchard Park c h R o n S

t Exchange Rd Shared Pathway D ld d e t r Primary Parallel Route ing 3 Spr

Do your trips take “ you to or from one of the key activity centres shown in these maps?

” Photo courtesy: tourismkelowna.com

14 Central Okanagan Planning Study Traffic Congestion Where We’re Being Held Up (South/West) With the concentration of activity centres on the Highway 97 corridor and few alternative routes, the greatest congestion is around these activity destinations. The influence of commuter/employment travel patterns is much higher in the afternoon peak hour. For example, a trip from Elk Road to west of Glencoe Road at 5 a.m. takes two minutes and 48 seconds. In the afternoon peak (4 p.m. to 5 p.m.), it takes more than 5 minutes.

WFN W estsideIR Rd #10 Buchanan / Hust

Buchanan Rd South Boucherie Rd

P A E l i District of Peachland an T b r Chidle epanier Bench Rd b s S t d o

os

t

t

d S y St y Rd R on Rd ll t e W b

p

estlak B

m

R a

a

o r

C

t

s

l

s

e e Rd

y

R

R

d d

Daimler Dr

District of West Kelowna

P

B

a

r y

E Elk Rd

o

n

l

w

o i l

Glencoe Rd t

e

n

t

r

R

R d

R Butt Rd d d WFN IR #9 1

LEGEND

Travel Time Index (PM Peak): Intersection Delay: ° Increase in travel time during Congestion or Delay in either the the PM peak period relative to AM or PM peak hour the off-peak period Moderate Congestion and/or No or minimal increase Delay 25-50% increase 2 Significant Congestion and/or y 97C >50% increase Delay Highwa 1 2

What is the Travel Time Index? Does your experience The Travel Time Index begins with an ideal off-peak baseline, match the findings such as 5 a.m., when there is generally very little traffic to “ cause delay. If a trip takes 10 minutes at 5 a.m. and takes only of the existing 10-12 minutes at the peak period (5 p.m.) , then congestion is conditions / corridor considered to be minimal. If the same trip at 5 p.m. takes 13-15 minutes (a 25-50% increase over the baseline), the congestion assessment or delay is considered to be moderate. If the trip takes more presented at this than 15 minutes longer (greater than 50%), then the congestion or delay is considered to be significant. open house?”

Consultation Companion | Open House - Spring 2015 15 Traffic Congestion Where We’re Being Held Up (North/East) Highway 97 through Kelowna is congested. During afternoon peak hours, trips by vehicles through downtown Kelowna take more than 50% longer than during most non-peak hours. Even more pronounced than in West Kelowna, the concentration of activity centres on the main route results in the greatest congestion around these destinations. This is reflected in long travel times in both directions in the afternoon peak hour. For example, a trip from east of Water Street to west of Leckie Road that takes four minutes and 42 seconds at 5 a.m. will take ten minutes during the peak hour of 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., or more than twice as long. The corresponding southbound trip in the same afternoon peak hour takes nearly nine minutes.

Crystal Waters Rd

District of Lake Country Edwards Rd

Sexsmith Rd

Beaver Lake Rd

OKIB IR #7 McCurdy Rd

ay Leathead Rd W ise

Dr rpr e te LEGEND En 4 City of Kelowna Travel Time Index (PM Peak):

Glenmor ° Increase in travel time during E l

l Hwy 33 the PM peak period relative to i s

S the off-peak period t 4 No or minimal increase Ba 25-50% increase nk s R d 3 >50% increase P A L R E l i s S

andosy S e E

b G i c h

c t h e l S b o r k Intersection Delay: Congestion

o i

t e t d o n e r S B

S or Delay in either the AM or PM t t

R C D i l u r S p t d t peak hour o a l D r D t t o

t l w c h R p e r r Moderate Congestion o r and/or Delay t h D r d R

Campbell Rd d Significant Congestion 3 and/or Delay

16 Central Okanagan Planning Study UAL Traffic Safety Top Collision Locations – 2009 to 2013 The highest concentration of collisions is at intersections. The frequency of collisions is highest in urbanized, low speed sections. The severity of collisions is highest in non-urban, high-speed areas. Based on a combination of the number and severity of collisions, intersections that require closer examination include those shown below.

Notes: (a) Improvement Birnie Rd(a) planning is currently 1 under way Bailey Rd(b) (b) Based on 2009-2013 data and may not reflect recent Crystal Waters Rd (S)(a) improvements

Which do “ you consider to be the most serious issue on the corridor?”

Airport Way(b)

Spall Rd

Water- Pandosy St

(a) (b) Westlake Rd Cooper Rd

Gordon Dr(a) Ross Rd(b) °

Consultation Companion | Open House - Spring 2015 17 Looking Ahead

Next Steps At this point in the study, we have merely taken a snapshot of the existing conditions. The completion of this portion of work will include an assessment of future needs, based on local economic, population and traffic growth forecasts. The steps that follow will involve the generation of primary corridor options. We will return to obtain feedback on those primary options. Finally, we will identify advanced improvement options for the long term, including recommendations for timing. We may also identify some nearer-term improvements which, like those that are already under way, will address some of the more immediate issues on the corridor.

Phase 1 Understanding Needs Phase 2 Options Review

2014 2015 2016 Fall Winter Spring Summer Fall Winter Spring Summer Fall

Technical Data Performance Needs Options Options Collection Assessment Assessment Generation Recommendations

Establish liaison Input on problem Input on potential solutions committees areas KEY ACTIVITIES WE ARE Open Open Open Open HERE House House House House

Technical Engagement Milestone

Public and stakeholders involved at many levels Is there anything that Public and stakeholder engagement are essential to the success of this study, which benefits from the knowledge and experience you feel the study team “ of those who travel in and through the Central Okanagan. should know about the The project team is already working with local governments, performance of the including First Nations. A Technical Advisory Committee is providing expert information corridor that may have and feedback We are also developing a Community Working been overlooked? Group with representation from major stakeholder groups and ” the public at large.

18 Central Okanagan Planning Study Considerations for the Future The purpose of the work in the current study to date Tourism, Recreation & Health has been to take stock of the current situation, with only With the increasing importance of tourism to the Central occasional and brief glances ahead. This will change as Okanagan, the corridor of the future must do more than we move forward toward an assessment of needs and, provide safe and efficient travel and access to services, after that, proceed with the development of options to but support visitors and residents alike in their desire meet those needs. These next steps will need to take to view and experience savour the boundless natural into account a wide range of considerations, including beauty and recreational opportunities in the area. those listed below. Community Liveability Congestion Reduction Techniques Any improvements to the corridor, including route There is more to congestion reduction than building changes, will occur with consideration of community more roads. Great strides have already been made to impacts. Communities must remain accessible, there help address congestion through improved transit, must be consideration of visual impacts, and noise support for car-pooling, cycling and walking. impacts must also be taken into account. Public and Land Use Impacts stakeholder consultation will be essential in assessing and avoiding or mitigating such impacts. Any transportation improvements should, as much as possible, be integrated with existing and planned Heritage & Archaeology future land use. Review of official community plans and Engagement is ongoing with the Westbank First Nation ongoing stakeholder engagement are essential. and the Okanagan Indian Band to identify and address Environmental Protection matters of heritage and archaeology, as well as current and future economic opportunities and development. Air Quality and Emissions: In 2007, the B.C. Government set a bold target to reduce greenhouse gas Affordability & Cost emissions in British Columbia by 33 per cent by 2020. The study will provide cost estimates to be applied Some of this reduction will come from cleaner fuels, but in a business case that will be required to assess the some will also come from reducing congestion-related feasibility of significant initiatives. idling, and reducing our dependency on the single- occupant vehicle. Consideration of past studies (local & provincial), Habitat: The balance of human interaction with nature including possible crossing locations, bypasses etc. is often a delicate one. Plants, animals and fish require It is not necessary to re-do valuable past work. Wherever consideration and protection. possible, past studies will be applied in the current study and updated as necessary. Local Economy While the economy of the Central Okanagan is currently strong, future transportation improvements need to ensure that this strength is enhanced and not jeopardized. We will work closely with local governments and business organizations in this regard.

Goods Movement The Highway 97 corridor through the Central Okanagan is part of the National Transportation System. However, it is not a primary through route for goods movement and the majority of traffic is regional. Nevertheless, future plans need to support the movement of goods Photo courtesy: tourismkelowna.com - Bruce Knight into and out of the area.

Consultation Companion | Open House - Spring 2015 19 Contact Information: Okanagan Lake Second Crossing Project Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure #300 – 1358 St. Paul Street Kelowna, BC V1Y 2E1 250-712-3660

Sources: BC Transit ICBC Partnerships BC City of Kelowna Kelowna Museums Regional District of District of West Kelowna Ministry of Transportation Central Okanagan HDR Consultants/Economic and Infrastructure Statistics Canada Development Commission Parsons – Central Okanagan Tourism Kelowna of the Central Okanagan Planning Study