MLA Ward Stamer urges the B.C. government to boost Highway 5 safety funding and raises concerns over rushed legislation on energy and infrastructure.
MLA Stamer Renews Push for Highway 5 Safety Overhaul
Kamloops – North Thompson MLA Ward Stamer is once again pressing the provincial government for increased safety investments on Highway 5, citing persistent concerns about underfunding and the lack of transparency in infrastructure planning.
In a May 10 interview, Stamer emphasized that the stretch of Highway 5 connecting Kamloops to the Alberta border is crucial to both local communities and the broader provincial economy. “Our section of the transportation network is vital to the province,” he said. “We’re demanding answers on how highway funding decisions are made.”
Highway 5 vs. Highway 1: Disparity in Spending
Stamer drew attention to a glaring funding imbalance—pointing out that a $261 million investment is being made to improve Highway 1 between Tappen and Salmon Arm, an amount he claims is ten times what’s been spent on the Highway 5 corridor.
He questioned why Highway 5, which is often used as a commercial detour during winter Highway 1 closures, continues to receive minimal upgrades. “Why prioritize Highway 1 so heavily and leave Highway 5 lagging behind?” he asked.
Minister Responds: Prioritization Based on Traffic and Safety
In the May 7 session of the B.C. Legislature, Stamer directly posed his concerns to Minister of Transportation and Transit Mike Farnworth. Farnworth responded that funding decisions are based on multiple variables, including incident data, traffic volume, and future infrastructure demands.
“Highway 1 remains the most heavily used inter-provincial route,” Farnworth explained, citing the Trans Mountain pipeline project and the opening of Kicking Horse Pass as factors influencing recent investments.
Advocating for Dash Cams and Direct Dialogue
Stamer reiterated his support for mandatory dash cams for commercial vehicles and noted he’s looking to provide the ministry with regional data in a future meeting with Farnworth.
As a former mayor of Barriere, Stamer has long supported such safety tools and continues to advocate for their inclusion in broader highway safety strategies.
Stamer Criticizes Fast-Tracked Energy and Infrastructure Bills
Beyond transportation issues, Stamer is raising red flags about the NDP government’s urgency in passing Bills 14 and 15, both aimed at accelerating the approval of energy and infrastructure projects.
“There’s a great deal of concern that these bills will give the cabinet unchecked authority to ‘streamline’ decisions without adequate consultation,” he stated during a May 8 opposition response.
Concerns Over Public Input and Environmental Oversight
Bill 14, the Renewable Energy Projects Act, would grant the BC Energy Regulator expanded authority over solar and wind project permits. Meanwhile, Bill 15, the Infrastructure Projects Act, would allow the cabinet to declare projects as “provincially significant,” expediting their approval process.
Stamer fears these changes would bypass public consultation, First Nations engagement, and environmental review, undermining the province’s strong regulatory framework.
“We’ve always taken pride in our environmental standards. Rushing these bills risks compromising that legacy,” he said.
Lack of Clarity on Cost, Timelines, and Planning
Stamer concluded by calling for greater transparency from the government regarding both bills. He says the public still hasn’t been given clear cost projections, completion timelines, or oversight plans.
“We need balanced growth,” he said. “Responsible electrification means not just speed, but sustainability, safety, and full accountability.”
