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close menu Office of the Premier

B.C. throne speech outlines plans to build a stronger, more secure future

February 6, 2023 2:18 PM
Lieutenant governor Janet Austin has delivered a forward-looking speech from the throne, laying out actions the provincial government will take to tackle today’s biggest challenges and build a stronger, more secure future for everyone who calls B.C. home.
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B.C. will formally recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

February 7, 2023 11:35 AM
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close menu Agriculture and Food

Supporting B.C. jobs, food security through agritech

January 26, 2023 11:30 AM
Four B.C. businesses that are developing solutions to help ensure the province’s food systems remain secure, resilient and sustainable are the first to receive funding through the recently launched B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI).
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Planning underway for new B.C. plant and animal health lab

January 26, 2023 9:45 AM
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close menu Attorney General

New premier delivers action to expand housing supply within first days

November 21, 2022 10:43 AM
New premier delivers action to expand housing supply within first days
To help deliver more good homes for people, the Province is introducing new laws to build the homes people need, make it possible for homes that are vacant to be rented and remove discriminatory age and rental restrictions in stratas that hurt young families.
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Increased funding for Human Rights Tribunal will make justice more accessible

January 4, 2023 10:00 AM
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close menu Children and Family Development

Operators announced for pilot family connections centres

January 5, 2023 9:30 AM
Families of children and youth with support needs can soon access supports and services through newly established pilot family connections centres in four B.C. communities.
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First rent supplements begin for youth from care in B.C.

December 21, 2022 8:30 AM
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close menu Citizens' Services

Access to high-speed internet available in Ruth Lake, Deka Lake in time for holidays

December 22, 2022 10:00 AM
More than 700 households in the Deka Lake and Ruth Lake communities can now access quality, reliable high-speed internet with the completion of a fibre-to-the-home network.
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Streamlined registry services make B.C. businesses easier to operate

November 24, 2022 1:30 PM
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close menu Education and Child Care

B.C. launches anti-racism action plan for K-12 students

January 23, 2023 11:15 AM
Anti-racism action plan for more inclusive schools in B.C.
Empowering students and educators to identify and take action against racism and discrimination in British Columbia schools is the aim of a new provincial K-12 Anti-Racism Action Plan launched on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023.
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Students learning in new classrooms at Dover Bay Secondary

January 18, 2023 10:00 AM
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close menu Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

Large-scale emergency exercise simulates Lower Mainland earthquake

February 3, 2023 2:30 PM
Large-scale emergency exercise simulates Lower Mainland earthquake
The Province and Public Safety Canada are kicking off a large-scale emergency preparedness training exercise in British Columbia with a simulated alert sent to Exercise Coastal Response 2023 participants.
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Communities benefit from disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation funding

February 3, 2023 12:10 PM
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close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

Province, Blueberry River First Nations reach agreement

January 18, 2023 2:39 PM
Watch the Province and Blueberry River First Nations reach an agreement
The B.C. government and Blueberry River First Nations have reached a historic agreement that will guide them forward in a partnership approach to land, water and resource stewardship that ensures Blueberry River members can meaningfully exercise their Treaty 8 rights, and provide stability and predictability for industry in the region.
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Remote First Nations communities advance clean-energy projects

January 16, 2023 11:30 AM
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close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Province, Blueberry River First Nations reach agreement

January 18, 2023 2:39 PM
Watch the Province and Blueberry River First Nations reach an agreement
The B.C. government and Blueberry River First Nations have reached a historic agreement that will guide them forward in a partnership approach to land, water and resource stewardship that ensures Blueberry River members can meaningfully exercise their Treaty 8 rights, and provide stability and predictability for industry in the region.
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Province adds more items to B.C.’s recycling system

January 6, 2023 8:30 AM
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close menu Finance

New protections in place for homebuyers in B.C.

January 3, 2023 9:30 AM
New protections in place for homebuyers in B.C.
Homebuyers in B.C. now have better protection in the real estate market as the homebuyer protection period takes effect on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023.
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Help with costs arrives for British Columbians

January 5, 2023 9:00 AM
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close menu Forests

Crofton mill gets workers back on the job with provincial, federal funding

January 20, 2023 9:05 AM
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Text reads: Support workers in Crofton
More than 100 jobs will resume at Paper Excellence’s Crofton Mill facility, resulting from a partnership and funding from the provincial and federal governments, as the mill retools to manufacture new pulp products that reduce the need for single-use plastics.
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Province, Blueberry River First Nations reach agreement

January 18, 2023 2:39 PM
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close menu Health

Nurses receive support to join B.C.’s health system more quickly

January 9, 2023 12:46 PM
Photo of a nurse and her patient. Text reads: Helping more nurses practice in BC, faster
The Province is making it easier for internationally educated nurses to work in B.C.’s health-care system with new financial supports and a faster, more efficient assessment pathway.
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Province provides update on respiratory illness season

January 13, 2023 12:55 PM
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close menu Housing

New permitting strategy will help build homes faster

January 16, 2023 9:48 AM
New permitting strategy will help build homes faster
The Province is taking another step to tackle the housing crisis by creating a one-stop-shop approach to provincial permitting to help speed up approvals and construction to build more homes.
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New fund will protect thousands of renters in B.C.

January 12, 2023 10:45 AM
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close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

B.C. will formally recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

February 7, 2023 11:35 AM
B.C. will formally recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be enshrined in B.C. law to honour the strength and resilience of residential school survivors and remember the children who never came home.
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Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Province partner to create Oomiiqsu Mother Centre

November 8, 2022 2:15 PM
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close menu Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

Nominate an exceptional citizen for B.C.’s highest honour

January 6, 2023 9:30 AM
Nominate an exceptional citizen for B.C.’s highest honour
Nominations are being accepted for the Order of British Columbia, the Province’s highest honour.
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Fifteen British Columbians honoured for dedication to service

December 5, 2022 10:30 AM
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close menu Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation

Crofton mill gets workers back on the job with provincial, federal funding

January 20, 2023 9:05 AM
Photo of mill workers 
Text reads: Support workers in Crofton
More than 100 jobs will resume at Paper Excellence’s Crofton Mill facility, resulting from a partnership and funding from the provincial and federal governments, as the mill retools to manufacture new pulp products that reduce the need for single-use plastics.
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New jobs fund will support employment, resilient economies

January 17, 2023 2:05 PM
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close menu Labour

B.C. will formally recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

February 7, 2023 11:35 AM
B.C. will formally recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be enshrined in B.C. law to honour the strength and resilience of residential school survivors and remember the children who never came home.
  Read More

Farm workers who hand-harvest crops get rate increase Jan. 1

December 29, 2022 9:00 AM
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close menu Mental Health and Addictions

B.C. takes action to save lives, build new connections of care with drug decriminalization

January 30, 2023 10:38 AM
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The Province is taking a critical step to end the shame and stigma that prevents people with substance-use challenges from reaching out for life-saving help as B.C.’s decriminalization of people who use drugs comes into effect on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023.
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B.C. expands mental-health, substance-use supports for more young people

February 2, 2023 10:00 AM
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close menu Municipal Affairs

Province cancels student health fee for people fleeing war in Ukraine

December 19, 2022 5:15 PM
On Dec. 19, 2022, the government enacted the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel International Student Health Fee Remission Regulation.
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Grants for Lower Mainland non-profits improve arts, culture, sports access

December 8, 2022 9:24 AM
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close menu Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

B.C. trains more paramedics for emergency health care

February 2, 2023 1:30 PM
B.C. trains more paramedics for emergency health care
British Columbians will have improved access to emergency health services as the Province invests approximately $2 million into expanding paramedic training programs in communities around the province.
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Skills Roadmap helps people in the mining sector

January 20, 2023 8:00 AM
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close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

ICBC files for no increase to basic insurance rates for two more years

December 12, 2022 10:19 AM
ICBC files for no increase to basic insurance rates for two more years
Government reforms to ICBC are paying off with affordable, steady rates and fiscal stability for people.
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Review highlights B.C.’s strong pandemic response, opportunities for enhancement

December 2, 2022 1:15 PM
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close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

Funding Indigenous-led non-profits a step toward reconciliation

February 3, 2023 3:35 PM
Funding Indigenous-led non-profits a step toward reconciliation
Approximately $5 million in grants have been committed to 23 Indigenous-led non-profit organizations from the Indigenous Resilience and Recovery Grant Initiative.
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Medical lab assistant training opens doors to in-demand jobs

January 30, 2023 8:30 AM
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close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Fifteen British Columbians honoured for dedication to service

December 5, 2022 10:30 AM
Fifteen British Columbians honoured for dedication to service
The Government of B.C. has selected 15 British Columbians to receive the Medal of Good Citizenship for their dedication and selfless service to their communities.
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Province supports inclusive, diverse arts sector with $2.7 million

December 15, 2022 1:30 PM
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close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

New funding supports more accessible taxis

February 1, 2023 11:15 AM
New funding supports more accessible taxis
British Columbians who use wheelchairs or have other accessibility needs will soon see more accessible taxis on the road with the launch of the Passenger Transportation Accessibility Program (PTAP).
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Safety improvements ahead for Highway 5A

January 20, 2023 1:05 PM
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close menu Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

Marine Protected Area Network partners endorse plan to protect British Columbia’s North Coast

February 5, 2023 10:45 AM
From Fisheries and Oceans Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/fisheries-oceans/news/2023/02/marine-protected-area-network-partners-endorse-plan-to-protect-british-columbias-north-coast.html
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Province, Blueberry River First Nations reach agreement

January 18, 2023 2:39 PM
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Transportation and Infrastructure

Public engagement launched for planning of Okanagan second crossing

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Honourable Rob Fleming

Honourable Rob Fleming

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Transportation and Infrastructure

British Columbia News

Public engagement launched for planning of Okanagan second crossing

https://news.gov.bc.ca/08417

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News Release

Kelowna
Wednesday, May 13, 2015 9:00 AM

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News Release

Kelowna

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 9:00 AM

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Starting May 19, you can have your say on existing conditions and performance of the Highway 97 corridor in the Okanagan, including any traffic congestion concerns you may have.

This is the launch of the public engagement portion of the three-year transportation planning study for the Central Okanagan, which is exploring future mobility needs, including route options and potential timing for a future second crossing of Okanagan Lake.

Public input into this first phase of the study will be important in developing the requirements and potential options for future transportation improvements in the Central Okanagan. The ministry will consider feedback from this consultation along with existing provincial plans, technical data and local government input.

When the five-lane William R. Bennett Bridge opened to traffic in 2008, it was estimated the bridge would serve the region’s traffic needs for 25 years or more, based on extensive traffic analysis. Traffic counts on the bridge confirm this to still be the case.

Even though a second crossing is more than two decades away, it’s important to start the planning process now, as the Okanagan region predicts continued population growth. The population of the Central Okanagan is currently approximately 187,000, with the vast majority located in Kelowna (65%) and West Kelowna (17%). By 2034, the Central Okanagan population is expected to grow to nearly 255,000 people, an increase of more than 36% in 20 years.

There are many ways for people to participate in this phase of public consultation:

  • Open Houses: The public can attend either of these two upcoming open houses:
    • Kelowna Open House ─ Tuesday, May 19 - 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ramada Kelowna Hotel and Conference Centre, 2170 Harvey Ave., Kelowna
    • West Kelowna Open House ─ Wednesday, May 20 - 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Westbank Lions Community Centre, 2466 Main St., Westbank
  • Website: A new website will be launched on May 19. Interested citizens can submit the feedback form or take part in the online discussion.
  • Dialogue/ presentation sessions: The project team will hold dialogue/ presentation meetings with community groups and stakeholders. This will allow more in-depth discussion with business, environmental, transportation, agricultural and other stakeholder groups.
  • Social Media:
    • For the latest B.C. transportation information, follow the TranBC blog at: http://tranbc.ca/  
    • Follow the ministry on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/TranBC

This Phase, Part 1, considers:

  • The performance of the corridor, including congestion and safety factors.
  • Travel patterns, the role and function of the Highway 97 corridor and the W.R. Bennett Bridge, and the needs of all users, including car drivers, goods movers, transit riders, carpoolers, cyclists and pedestrians.
  • Connection to and support for local, regional, provincial and national growth and transportation plans.
  • Trends in population, economic development, land use, sustainability initiatives, community livability, traffic and travel modes in the Central Okanagan.
  • Your experience with respect to all of the above.

Future work will consider:

  • Future transportation needs.
  • Possible improvement options for the long and near-to-intermediate term.
  • Further public input.

The study area for the Highway 97 corridor extends from just south of Peachland to Clerke Road/ College Way to the north, encompassing the communities of Peachland, West Kelowna, Kelowna, Lake Country, the Westbank First Nation and Okanagan Indian Band.

Quotes:

Premier Christy Clark, MLA for Westside-Kelowna -

"With a growing economy and population, we need to start planning for the future of the Okanagan today. That starts with hearing from the people who depend on these roads every day, and we look forward to hearing from residents on how best to meet transportation needs into the future."

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone -

“Our infrastructure needs to keep pace with the growing population and traffic levels, and that’s why we are launching the planning and public engagement process now. This portion of the study is gathering a snapshot of the needs and experiences of all travellers on the corridor, including local drivers, truck drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. We encourage interested citizens to join the conversation.”

MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country Norm Letnick -

“With the many natural attractions and economic opportunities of the Okanagan region, we know that the population and economy will continue to grow in this vibrant region. We see tourists continuing to come back to visit our local wineries, beaches, and recreational trails. All of this means it’s important to start the planning and consultations now for future considerations of infrastructure expansion.”

MLA for Kelowna-Mission Steve Thomson -

“We’re interested in what local citizens who live and work in this region have to say about travel on the Highway 97 corridor, and across the William R. Bennett Bridge. Safety and mobility are important factors in future decisions. It’s important that we hear from the public about their experiences travelling the highway corridor, all of which will be combined with local government input and technical data as we move into the future.”

Media Contacts:

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 356-8241

https://news.gov.bc.ca/08417

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