WHEREAS the British Columbia Transit Plan is focused primarily on the Lower Mainland with some benefit allocated to Kelowna and no indication of any consideration given for a proposed Heartland Connector commitment; AND WHEREAS any British Columbia Transit Plan should consider the importance of Highway 97 as the major thoroughfare between the residents and resources of Northern British Columbia and the Lower Mainland, as well as a vital economic link in the Asia Pacific Corridor joining the Prince Rupert and Vancouver ports: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities urge the provincial government to take immediate steps to fulfill its commitment to the completion of the Heartland Connector to ensure the efficient and safe movement of people and goods and to solidify the economic opportunities of the Asia Pacific Gateway and Corridor.
Ministry of Transportation Infrastructure In April 2005 the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure committed to starting work on 200 million worth of projects by 2010 as the first phase of a long-term strategy to four-lane Highway 97 between Cache Creek and Prince George. To date, work has been completed on four-laning projects at Fletchers Road and Plett Road and on intersection improvements at the Williams Lake IR. Work is well underway on the Simon Fraser Bridge project and the Prince George South Scale Relocation and Four Laning. Contracts have been tendered and awarded for: Wright Station Curves Four Laning Lac La Hache Dale Lake Road to Dragon Lake Road Four Laning Quesnel Horse Lake Road Pedestrian Underpass Extension 100 Mile House Sintich Road to Fraser River Four Laning Prince George Work will begin on these projects this fall with most construction activity in 2009. Day Labour construction began early Fall 2008 on the Likely Road to Williams Lake IR project. Tender is expected on replacement of Hixon Bridge early in 2009. To date, construction has been completed or has been approved to proceed on 11 projects totalling 156 million. Engineering work is underway on an additional suite of projects, anticipated to be tendered in the next two years, to meet or exceed the 200 million commitment. Work is also ongoing to develop options for future phases of the Cariboo Connector Program including the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure working with the City of Quesnel as the municipality develops a business case for bypass options.