Overview
The Okanagan Valley Corridor is a gateway for north-south international trade intended to provide an uncongested high quality route, with limited delay through urban areas. It links the United States to the northern half of British Columbia as well as regions east and west.
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This website features an overview of highway projects currently underway on the corridor.
The corridor serves development, recreation, and resource areas throughout the Okanagan. It links communities and urban centres including Osoyoos, Penticton, Kelowna, Vernon, Salmon Arm as well as serving commuter demands between rural areas and population centres. Traffic includes agriculture, tourism, recreation, forestry and mining.
Changes in demographic and economic trends are putting increasing pressure on the corridor. Population is projected to grow rapidly through the Okanagan Valley. This population growth will lead to further diversification of the economy through expansion in retail trade, construction and service industries. Spillover in recent growth from the Central Okanagan is now throughout the valley. Much of this growth has been fueled by the retirement industry. Continued expansion in the tourism sector is projected.
The heavy population growth in the Okanagan Valley is placing increasing traffic demands on Highway 97, Highway 97A and 97B. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is working to ensure infrastructure improvements address the safe and efficient movement of people and goods along this important corridor.
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