Connecting Our Region: Let’s Talk Transportation on April 24

Public service announcement

On April 24, businesses and residents from across the region will come together for a conversation to help shape transportation choices in the Central Okanagan region over the next 20 years. The public is invited to attend and contribute to discussions.

“Transportation across the region is critical to our economic competitiveness and quality of life,” said Rafael Villarreal, Manager, Integrated Transportation Department, City of Kelowna and Administrator of the Sustainable Transportation Partnership of the Central Okanagan. “Technology and environmental priorities are changing the way we travel and the decisions we make today will significantly influence our future opportunities.”

Connecting our Region: Let’s Talk Transportation will explore how we move around the region more easily, efficiently and enjoyably.

“The issues affecting all our communities – jobs, air quality, goods movement, emergency response, public health, education, housing, accessibility, physical and social well-being – are directly impacted by the transportation choices we make as a region,” said Villarreal.

Two major transportation planning initiatives are working together to host the conversation that will help guide the future of transportation in the region.

The Regional Transportation Plan will identify the regional transportation investments, including projects, programs and policies, that will be needed over the next 20 years to connect our region and support the Central Okanagan’s economy, social networks, and natural ecosystem. It will be the Central Okanagan’s first region-wide transportation plan.

The Okanagan Gateway Transportation Study will define future projects, programs and policies that will improve connections to Kelowna International Airport and University of British Columbia Okanagan.  It will support the vision of the airport, university and surrounding area as a growing, vibrant and connected hub that benefits the whole region.

Connecting Our Region: Let’s Talk Transportation

  • Date: April 24, 2019
  • Location: UBC Okanagan Ballroom (UNC 200)

    3272 University Way, Kelowna
  • Coffee and refreshments will be served at 8 a.m.
  • Conversations start at 8:30 a.m. and continue until noon.

Participants can register in advance at smartTRIPS.ca.

The event is hosted by the Sustainable Transportation Partnership of the Central Okanagan (STPCO) and the Okanagan Gateway Transportation Study partnership. STPCO is a collaboration of City of Kelowna, City of West Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland, Westbank First Nation, and Regional District of the Central Okanagan. The Okanagan Gateway Transportation Study partnership includes Kelowna International Airport, City of Kelowna, University of British Columbia Okanagan and Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.