Policy & Positions Manual

Policy Priority Area - Transportation

Improvements to Trans Canada Highway (2011)

The section of the Trans Canada Highway stretching from Kamloops to the border of Alberta; east of Field, BC is renowned as a windy, narrow, and extremely dangerous transportation route for.  It is the main thoroughfare for vehicular traffic entering or exiting the province of BC from the east, linking the province with the rest of Canada.  For many communities this is the only access or egress for road travel.

Frequent closures, poor maintenance and dangerous conditions on this highway drastically impact the economy of BC.  All southern BC communities rely on tourism and related commerce throughout the year.  The Trans Canada Highway is a vital conduit for the movement of goods, services and people to and from BC.

This part of Canada's national highway was finished in April 1962 and the Three Valley and Kicking Horse pass sections were not built to safety standards of the day. There have been no major improvements since then even though the amount of traffic now using this section of the highway is more than five times what it was almost 50 years ago. That includes not just family cars, but also heavy freight transports and tour buses.

Data has been correlated to demonstrate the negative impacts this dangerous highway has on the local Revelstoke economy.  Statistics from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure indicate in 2010-11 key sections of the Trans Canada Highway east and west of Revelstoke were closed for a total of 27.51 days, or 659.7 hours.  The key attraction in Revelstoke’s tourism industry realized an approximate loss in revenue of $200,000 due to these closures, which in turn has a trickledown effect on numerous local businesses; such as accommodation, restaurants, retail and more.  Furthermore, local shipping and industry have realized losses of $255,000 and greater due to highway closures.    When viewed from a province wide perspective, it is clear that closures of the Trans Canada Highway have immense negative impacts on the bottom line for tourism, shipping, manufacturing, forestry and more.

Despite the importance of this highway for provincial connectivity, the lack of suitable infrastructure has led to dozens of deaths, hundreds of injuries, and frequent avalanche closures each year.  These incidents choke off delivery of goods and services and cripple industry.

The government must realize that now is the time to improve this crucial highway and commit to adding four lanes, highway dividers, paved shoulders and improved lighting to bring it up to acceptable travelling standards for the 21st century.


The Chamber Recommends

That the Provincial Government;

  1. work with the Federal Government to cooperate and work together to upgrade Trans Canada Highway #1 by widening and straightening from Kamloops to the BC/Alberta border;

  2. that safety features such as increased highway lighting and snow sheds be installed thereby improving the Trans Canada Highway to a standard that is safe, efficient and mitigates closures; and

  3. acknowledge the importance and urgency of this project by publicly announcing an action plan detailing immediate steps to improve and enhance this essential transportation link.