Central Okanagan
Planning Study 

2014 - 2018

Project Summary:

With project management provided by Promana Project Strategies, the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure retained Parsons Corporation to undertake the Central Okanagan Planning Study to understand the future transportation needs of the Central Okanagan area, ultimately developing potential route proposals to address future mobility, including preferred locations and timing for a possible alternative crossing of Okanagan Lake.

Covering the corridor from Peachland to Lake Country, the study considered public needs, community plans and provincial transportation priorities.  While the emphasis was on long-term planning, it will also identified possible additional nearer-term improvements to address more immediate safety and mobility concerns.

Activities: As a sub-consultant to Promana and member of the project management team, Jack Stuempel and Associates was responsible for managing strategic relationships and public engagement activities for the study. Key responsibilities and activities included:

• Leading the preparation and execution of public engagement plans

• Overseeing the work of other public engagement consultants

• Creating an engagement structure for key stakeholders and the public

• Defining the terms of reference for and facilitating stakeholder and citizen working groups

• Liaising with Ministry and central BC Government Communications and Public Engagement

• Preparing advertisements, news releases, web/social media content and other information materials

• Involving stakeholders and the public formally and informally in open houses and information sessions

• Researching, analyzing and reporting results of consultation activities including attendance and feedback

Results: There was a very high level of awareness and interest in the project, and the project team received significant and thoughtful input for consideration and application in the study, which laid the groundwork for a comprehensive Central Okanagan Integrated Transportation Strategy.