Thoughts on BC Politics and More

Kamloops North Thompson BC Conservative MLA Ward Stamer has been critical over the lack of funding made available to Highway 5 through the North Thompson and through to the Alberta border.  He has also raised this issue in his former capacity as the Mayor of Barriere.  The following is from Hansard on May 7th: Ward Stamer : Last night (Tues May 6th), unfortunately, we ran out of time, and I had a couple more questions to the minister on the differentiation in the infrastructure amounts in the last 15 years between Highway 1 from Kamloops to the Alberta border and Highway 5 from Kamloops to the Alberta border — the same. I have a request, if it’s possible, to the minister. There’s some data relating to Highway 5 that is being collected and has been collected — volume counts. There’s speed data. I’m wondering if there’s a list that I can provide to the minister and his vision or ability t...

Barriere Mayor Ward Stamer says he is optimistic the provincial government will implement mandatory dashboard cameras on commercial vehicles following talks with BC’s transportation minister. Last year, Stamer and Clearwater Mayor Merlin Blackwell championed a resolution, approved at the Union of BC Municipalities conference, asking the province to review the feasibility of mandating all commercial semi-trucks registered in BC to have dash cams installed and in operation while driving on provincial roads. The rationale of the resolution is that dash cams can encourage commercial truck driver accountability in adhering to safe driving practices. The province recently issued a response to the resolution, stating it's reviewing feasibility of this initiative and consultation with stakeholders will occur likely in the first half of 2024 . . . . CLICK HERE for the full story

Kamloops MLAs Todd Stone and Peter Milobar say a BC United government will spend at least $200-million on infrastructure and safety upgrades on Highway 5 in the North Thompson. Speaking on NL Newsday, Stone – who is currently the MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson but running for re-election in the newly re-drawn Kamloops-North Thompson riding – says the plan includes adding three new passing lanes, at least one new full-amenity rest stop, and a Commercial Vehicle Inspection Station near Clearwater ... CLICK HERE for the full story