Good morning,
Today I wish to update you all on progress made to expand Kelowna BC Transit rapid bus route 97 through to YLW, Lake Country, and Vernon.
On Dec 19 2025, I met with MLA Harwinder Sandhu for over an hour and we discussed this proposal and the transit needs of our communities at length. MLA Sandhu agreed to champion this cause and since December she and her team have done exactly that by working with BC Transit and MOTT to look into this proposal further. On January 7 2025 she wrote to MOTT urging that they support and prioritize the expansion of route 97 to Vernon. MLA Sandhu will also read our petition in the Legislature when the next session begins.
On January 16 2025 Premier Eby sent out mandate letters to his executive council. In the letter to incoming Minister of Transportation and Transit Mike Farnworth, the Premier specifically mandated improved InterCity transit within the Okanagan.
That same day January 16 2025, Lake Country Council met for a strategy meeting and expansion of the bus route 97 was supported within their Regional Transit Strategy. This was shared to me after talking with Transportation Managers in Kelowna and Lake Country. The meeting was recorded and posted on the Lake Country website.
One of the first groups I reached out to in November was the City of Vernon. Mayor Cumming thanked me for the reasoned suggestion on Nov 4 in email. Since then, we spoke on the phone January 16 and Mayor Cumming expressed that he is a frequent flyer and that this proposal is on fertile ground. At the Mayor’s request, I sent a formal letter requesting the City vote to support this proposal. I was informed January 30 2025 by Mayor Cumming’s staff that Vernon Council will be voting on Feb 10 whether or not to provide a letter of support to request BC Transit and MOTT to expand route 97 right to Vernon. While the outcome of that vote hangs in the balance - with MLA Sandhu, Premier Eby, and Lake Country all in support of improving our InterCity transit – I do expect that Vernon Council will do the same.
I must also express how wonderful the response has been from the community. The stories of how this will help our community from UBCO Professors and Staff, City Councilors, Students, Frequent Flyers at YLW, Commuters, and especially Seniors have helped reaffirm how much this project matters to this region.
It is still my dream that come spring, when the BC Government announces the 2025 budget – that funding for the expansion of BC Transit rapid bus route 97 right through to YLW, Lake Country and Vernon will be announced.
Thank you all.
Fraser Young