Statement from Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield.
“The Drought Hill wildfire and the closure of Highway 97 has once again exposed the vulnerability of our region’s transportation network. This isn’t a one-off – it’s a pattern. We need a reliable, safe alternative route between Penticton and Kelowna, and the 201 Forest Service Road is part of that solution.
Council has been clear and consistent in our advocacy. This road must be upgraded and maintained to a standard that allows typical vehicles to use it year-round. We’ve raised this directly with several provincial ministers and we’ll be bringing it forward again at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) this September.
The 201 can no longer be treated as a forgotten forest road. When a single incident can cut off access to critical services, jobs and emergency care, it’s clear our infrastructure is failing us. This is a matter of safety, economic resiliency and supply chain connectivity – and Council will continue to press for action until change is delivered.”