SLNA Town Hall Meeting Summary

Date: October 15, 2025

Location: West Kelowna

Guest: MLA Macklin McCall (West Kelowna–Peachland)

Moderator: Mick Wood

Overview

The Shannon Lake Neighbourhood Association (SLNA) hosted a Town Hall meeting with guest MLA Macklin McCall to discuss two key community priorities: Highway 97 and the Bennett Bridge, and Policing and Public Safety. The session provided residents with the opportunity to share concerns and hear updates from our provincial representative.

Topic 1: Highway 97 and the Bennett Bridge

Residents from Casa Loma, Glenrosa, Lakeview Heights, Gellatly Bay / Goats Peak and Shannon Lake raised ongoing issues with congestion, highway access, and bridge capacity.

Common concerns included:

• Heavy traffic and bottlenecks at Boucherie and Westlake Roads.

• Lack of safe and efficient public transit access for Casa Loma residents.

• Congestion and delays at the Sneena and Campbell Road roundabout.

• Insufficient left-turn lanes that complicate access to Hwy 97.

• Limited options for emergency detours and alternative routes on Hwy 97 and W R Bennett Bridge.

• Economic impacts of traffic delays on local businesses.

• The need for better data and intergovernmental coordination to plan solutions.

Participants asked whether an additional (sixth) lane could be added to the bridge, if a dedicated bus lane is being considered, and what timelines exist for pending roadwork.

MLA McCall’s Response:

• The bridge and Highway 97 fall under provincial jurisdiction.

• Some improvements linked to the original bridge contract (e.g., Westside Road) have been completed, while others (Boucherie) remain in the planning stage.

• The bridge structure can support a potential sixth lane; however, no formal decision or commitment has been made.

• There are no current plans for a dedicated bus lane.

• McCall continues to meet with regional and federal representatives to advocate for progress.

  
  

The MLA acknowledged widespread community concern and indicated that discussions are ongoing within the Ministry of Transportation and Transit regarding future bridge and highway improvements.

Topic 2: Policing and Public Safety

Residents expressed significant concern about public safety and policing levels across West Kelowna and nearby communities. The following issues were raised:

• Declining police visibility and limited traffic enforcement.

• Inadequate response times to outlying neighbourhoods such as Glenrosa.

• Rising incidents related to homelessness, mental health, and substance use.

• Concerns about e-bike and scooter safety—excessive speeds, riders without helmets, and sidewalk use.

• Need for public education on e-bike laws (minimum age of 16, nighttime visibility).

• Requests for transparency regarding RCMP staffing levels and cost-sharing among West Kelowna, Peachland, and WFN.

• Calls for stronger measures against repeat offenders and improved cyber security readiness.

MLA McCall’s Response:

• Recent decentralization of the RCMP structure benefits West Kelowna by preventing the transfer of local officers to Kelowna.

• He is advocating for an increase of at least eight additional RCMP officers for the area.

• E-bike regulations have not kept pace with technology; the province is reviewing rules and considering new legislation.

• Throttle-controlled e-bikes pose particular challenges and are not permitted on sidewalks.

• The province continues to explore solutions to address the intersection of homelessness, addiction, and public safety pressures.

Conclusion

The Town Hall provided a productive forum for open discussion and direct dialogue between residents and their provincial representative. While no firm commitments or timelines were announced, MLA McCall acknowledged the community’s concerns and reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for improvements to regional transportation infrastructure and policing resources.

The SLNA thanked both the MLA and attendees for their participation and constructive engagement.