Central Okanagan Integrated Transportation Strategy

We are developing an integrated, multi-modal transportation strategy for the Central Okanagan to improve people and goods movement.

The Central Okanagan Integrated Transportation Strategy is the next phase of the Central Okanagan Planning Study (COPS) and the next step in the development of an integrated plan to improve the primary highway corridor through the Central Okanagan. The strategy will bring together the learnings gained from previous studies conducted by our partners in the region and build upon those outcomes to create a plan for the next 20 years.  

The strategy will:

  • Integrate transportation and land use planning to support economic and community growth
  • Identify integrated, multi-modal (including walking, cycling, transit and driving) transportation solutions that meet the safety, cost, feasibility, sustainability, accessibility, and equity goal
  • Align with the goals of CleanBC Roadmap to 2030
  • Address areas of opportunity for collaborations that were identified in partner studies
  • Identify short, medium, and long-term projects that will drive incremental improvements along the corridor

Building Upon Previous Transportation Planning Work

The strategy will unite the findings across multiple studies to develop an integrated, comprehensive transportation and infrastructure plan for the Central Okanagan. These plans include:

By leveraging the work done in recent years by regional/corridor studies and other local community plans, the strategy will support transportation and community livability goals, in the Central Okanagan by:

  • Using a coordinated approach to planning and network improvements that promotes a thriving economy and prepares for future growth
  • Providing safe, efficient, affordable, and accessible mobility choices for all people
  • Encouraging the development of diverse, resilient communities that provide the amenities, housing, and quality of life people value
  • Supporting the Province’s plans to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased availability of sustainable options

Central Okanagan Planning Studies Timeline

Central Okanagan Planning Studies Timeline

Central Okanagan Planning Studies Map

Central Okanagan Planning Studies Map

Community Engagement

Public and stakeholder engagement is an essential part of the strategy's goal to create an integrated transportation plan. To ensure inclusivity in all aspects of the strategy, engagement will be guided by Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+). GBA+ considers many identity factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age and mental or physical ability, and how the interactions between these factors influence the way people might experience transportation initiatives. The strategy will be informed by engaging with:

  • Municipal representatives from local governments
  • Transportation and Engineering staff representatives from local governments
  • Indigenous communities
  • BC Transit
  • Community representatives

In addition, the strategy will use information collected from the public during previous planning studies, which conducted extensive engagement activities throughout the Central Okanagan.

Previously Conducted Public Engagement

Each of the previously completed planning studies that inform the Central Okanagan Integrated Transportation Strategy included a complete public engagement program. Over the last seven years, there have been:

  • 12 public open houses
  • over 1,800 attendees
  • more than 2,600 surveys completed 
  • approximately 2,200 comments made by members of the public

Responses from the previously conducted public engagement have been studied and will help to determine the strategy’s recommendations.

Central Okanagan Planning Studies Public Engagement Info-graphic visualizes the statistics from the engagement

Future Opportunities for Public Engagement

The strategy will include a number of recommendations and an implementation plan for the next 20 years. As these recommendations are reviewed and priorities are implemented, the public will be invited to provide feedback as each project progresses.