The BC Liberal candidates in the two Kamloops ridings are committing to a $106 million investment to improve highways in the area, if elected on Oct. 24.

It includes passing lanes on Highway 5 in the North Thompson, a fix to the Clearwater River Road, and a Phase 3 for the Highway 1 expansion through Chase.

“The previous NDP government drastically reduced the scope of construction on the Trans-Canada highway near Chase. As a result of their decisions, British Columbians are getting less highway, waiting longer, and paying $61 million more than previously budgeted for construction,” said Kamloops-South Thompson candidate Todd Stone.

“Peter Milobar and I will work hard to ensure four-laning of the Trans-Canada between Hoffman’s Bluff and Chase Creek Road is completed, an estimated $75 million investment. This stretch of highway is important not only to the surrounding communities, but also to those travelling through British Columbia to the Alberta border.”

The incumbent MLAs say the construction of three additional passing lanes between Kamloops and Blue River will cost about $30 million, while the rebuilding of Clearwater River Road will cost about $1 million.

“Tourism operators in the Kamloops-North Thompson suffered this year immensely, not only did they face issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, but one of the main access roads for white water rafting companies washed out in July,” added Kamloops-North Thompson candidate Peter Milobar.

As announced previously, they say if elected, the BC Liberals will scrap the Community Benefits Agreement, which they allege has shut out 85 per cent of B.C.’s construction workers from working on major construction projects.