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Local News
29 January 2025

Kelowna Bridge Bomb Threat Highlights Need For Second Crossing

The recent bomb scare has reopened discussions on regional infrastructure improvements and emergency response capabilities.

The William R. Bennett Bridge, linking Kelowna and West Kelowna, was thrust back under the spotlight after a bomb scare on January 27, 2025, led to its closure for over ten hours. The incident, which emerged from the actions of one distraught individual, has reignited discussions surrounding the need for both enhanced regional emergency services and the establishment of a second route across Okanagan Lake.

The chaos unfolded around 3:45 AM when the individual parked his white panel van across multiple lanes of the bridge. The man then made alarming threats both online and to police, claiming he had "60 pounds of highly volatile material" inside the vehicle. Kelowna RCMP responded immediately, deploying tactical officers and calling for explosive disposal specialists from the Lower Mainland.

Kelowna RCMP Inspector Chris Goebel told reporters, "We do make recommendations. At the end of the day, it’s up to the BC RCMP to determine the best appointment for resources,” underscoring the challenges of resource allocation within the established emergency response framework.

Following the man's alarming claims, which included setting fire to the van, emergency services cordoned off the area, leading to substantial commuter disruptions. The bridge's closure caused significant traffic chaos, with many drivers forced to take lengthy detours. Some found themselves stranded and vulnerable, facing difficult conditions due to poorly maintained forest service roads meant to serve as emergency routes.

Local officials voiced their concerns following the incident. Kelowna-Mission MLA Gavin Dew stated, "This is a tragic and complicated situation, but it is also a powerful reminder of why we need a second crossing and a broader transportation corridor strategy for both everyday commuters, goods movement, and emergency response." His statement reflects growing frustration over the region's reliance on single, overloaded routes.

Mayor Tom Dyas also weighed in on the necessity for improved infrastructure. He mentioned, "It will be something we will look at and discuss with the province," alluding to the need for potential investment and support for local law enforcement agencies to handle such incidents swiftly and efficiently. This incident marks the third time within the past year the explosives disposal unit had been called out to the area, which has many advocating for the establishment of such units within the community.

Mayor Dyas, speaking about the urgency of the situation, noted, "We’ve experienced three situations within the last year. Even the first one started to bring about conversations on whether or not there should be the possibility of having [an explosive disposal unit] available within the Okanagan." The city’s official position seems to lean toward increasing local resources to manage crises effectively.

But the discussions around the bomb threat didn’t end there. The incident stirred conversations about the need for more comprehensive transportation solutions. With the bridge being the primary route linking Kelowna and the more southern regions of Okanagan, the lack of alternatives leaves commuters vulnerable to routine disruptions—something the Conservative Party highlighted. They proposed plans during the last election for the construction of a second crossing within the next decade.

While Conservative MLAS and mayors gathered for media engagements focused on these urgent needs, there was skepticism expressed by BC NDP representatives about the feasibility of expedited solutions. Loyal Wooldridge, city councillor and BC NDP candidate, remarked on the significant challenges posed by such developments, emphasizing the complex nature of land acquisition and environmental regulations required to build new infrastructure across indigenous lands. "Promising this by 2032 is near impossible. By impacting Westbank First Nation lands, reallocations of land would be required with federal government approvals which can take 5 to 10 years," he emphasized.

The Monday incident has highlighted the need for immediate action concerning Highway 97 and related emergency response measures, especially after numerous disruptions caused by wildfires and rockslides over the past months. West Kelowna-Peachland MLA Macklin McCall criticized the current government for inadequate preparedness, stating on social media: "The NDP’s reliance on poorly maintained forest service roads as emergency detour routes left many stranded and vulnerable. We need to improve infrastructure to keep British Columbians safe."

The call for action to bolster the highway’s infrastructure has never been clearer, with the Conservative Party urging Premier David Eby’s government to take swift measures to upgrade the highway, stabilize prone slide areas, and investigate alternative routes.

While the RCMP continues to investigate the motives behind the troubling incident of January 27, the community's response highlights not only the immediate need for safety measures but also emphasizes the long-term infrastructural planning required to prevent future calamities. Local leaders are pressing for enhanced emergency services, improved highway conditions, and the elusive second crossing over Okanagan Lake to alleviate reliance on the troubled transportation links.

The future remains uncertain as discussions take shape, but what is clear is this latest incident has spurred motion toward meaningful change within the region’s approach to safety and infrastructure planning.