Central Okanagan Multi-Modal Corridor
The Central Okanagan Multi-Modal Corridor 
(COMC) has been in the Transportation Network and Official Community Plan since 1986 (OCP 2001 - 2020). Significant public consultation occurred prior to the development of these initiatives which now allow them to serve as reference documents regarding the direction the community as a whole has envisioned for this area.
Where we are today
Ultimately, the COMC will be a limited-access roadway skirting the northern edge of downtown, then running north to Kelowna International Airport and the University of British Columbia Okanagan. The roadway would be approximately 12 km in length and include provisions for road, rail, trail and transit right-of-way and may approach up to 80 meters in width.
The first phase of this new four-lane roadway runs along the north side of the railroad tracks between Gordon and Spall, traveling underneath the bridge on Bernard Avenue near the Apple Bowl. Opening of this first phase took place December 15, 2006, with landscaping and sidewalk works to be completed in the spring of 2007.
Further phases of the COMC, which will eventually extend from Spall to McCurdy Roads, are expected to be in place within the next three years and envision a further extension to UBC Okanagan upon a formal planning and public consultation process.
What's next?
Objectives are to include planning of a controlled access multi-modal corridor north of McCurdy Road to UBC Okanagan, to address overall existing and future transportation needs of the city and the region.
Other objectives of this corridor will provide relief on congested roadways by diverting auto and truck traffic through to the COMC. The City is preparing to confirm preferred corridor alignment and protecting some of the necessary right-of-way.
A sub-component of this process is to educate the community toward a more integrated transportation system which would incorporate multi-modal opportunities; improved mobility options for all modes of travel including rail, pedestrians, cyclists, trucks and private vehicles, integrating a number of activities in the corridor.
The necessary research regarding freight movement (truck and rail) and the non-auto traffic of the corridor will consist of interviews with shippers and transportation operators, travel surveys, estimates of current daily and annual corridor travel demand by mode and recommendation of concepts and criteria for the City's consultant to use in advancing the planning and design of new infrastructure.
Provisions for the future corridor of the COMC from McCurdy to UBC Okanagan will be addressed by broader consultation in the planning, engaging the community as a whole, prior to inclusion in the next OCP review and revisions to the 20 Year Servicing Plan and Financing Strategy.
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Quick Facts
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Where? |
Corridor alignment study limits from downtown to the University.
Central Okanagan Multi-Modal Ultimate Alignment GIF (1.31 MB)
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What? |
A study to develop a long term plan that identifies a future multi-modal transportation corridor that takes into consideration all modes of travel.
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How? |
Identify a corridor alignment to accommodate long term growth for both the city and region.
Develop a roadway plan identifying interchange locations based on future travel demands.
Achieving a balance between mobility options, costs and impact on communities plus the natural environment.
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Why? |
Accommodate future growth projections and forecasted traffic volumes.
Minimize traffic congestion by reducing travel delay on the transportation network.
Concerns expressed over air quality and the potential to reduce green house gas emissions in the valley.
Identify a future alignment and functional layout to determine land requirements.
Prepare multi-modal concept plan to lobby to senior levels of government for funding opportunities.
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Who? |
The City of Kelowna, BC Ministry of Transportation, Transport Canada, and UBC Okanagan.
Contact:
Andrew Albiston, AScT
Roadways Project Manager
City of Kelowna
250 469-8569
aalbiston@kelowna.ca
Kari O'Rourke
Communications Coordinator
City of Kelowna
250 469-8485
korourke@kelowna.ca |
Previous Public Consultation
Open House #2 - May 2, 2007
Presentation of Alternatives Considered and a Recommended Plan
Panels presented at Open House:
Central Okanagan Multi-Modal Corridor Displays (5.83 MB)
-National Highway System
-2020 Forecast Network Performance (without corridor)
-Study Corridor
-Cross Sections
-Spall to Dilworth East
-East of Dilworth to McCurdy
-McCurdy to College Heights
-College Heights to UBC-O
-Rails with Trails Alignment Options
-Interchange Options - Spall, Dilworth, Highway 33, and Sexsmith
-Communications Strategy
Clement Avenue Rails with Trails Display Panel (4.83 MB)
Open House #1 - Introductory Open House was held December 12, 2006.
History (COB Phase 1)
Panels presented at Open House:
- Citizen Survey 2006 - Panel
- Planning Considerations
- Future Regional Population
- Network Performance - 1996 to 2020
- Forecast Traffic Volumes
- Transit Vision
- Rails with Trails - Path Priorities
History of the Central Okanagan Bypass
An Open House was hosted by the City of Kelowna and consultant, Urban Systems Ltd., June 7, 2006 to provide information of the construction planned in 2006.
The following design drawings and presentation boards are available for viewing:
The first phase of the Central Okanagan Bypass (COB) began June 15, 2006 and was opened to traffic on December 16. Median and sidework were recently completed. The
The City recently received funding from the LocalMotion Provincial program which will allow construction of the first phase of the Rails with Trails, Cerise Drive to Spall Road. Upon formal approval by City Council, the construction could begin as early as September for completion in November 2007.
