For years, the safety of Highway 2 between Dawson Creek and the Alberta border has been a concern for local leaders. Now, with interprovincial trade once again in the spotlight, the debate over Twinning Highway 2 Safety has resurfaced. Dawson Creek’s mayor, Darcy Dober, says the province’s refusal to move forward with expansion is a missed opportunity to improve both safety and trade.
Highway 2 is one of the most important routes in northeastern British Columbia. It serves as a key connection for goods and travelers between British Columbia and Alberta. But according to local officials, the highway is struggling to meet modern demands. The single-lane route often experiences long lines of traffic, particularly during peak hours and winter conditions.
Mayor Dober explained that bumper-to-bumper congestion has become common and has created dangerous driving conditions. “The highway can be dangerous with bumper-to-bumper traffic at times,” he said. For residents, truck drivers, and businesses, the risks are real, especially when icy weather reduces visibility and road grip.
The issue of twinning Highway 2 is not new. In the early 2000s, the province developed plans to expand the road from Fort St. John to the Alberta border. But the proposal was shelved by the government at that time, leaving the project incomplete. Since then, population growth, trade pressures, and increased transport activity have only added more strain to the route.
Dober said local governments in Alberta are also raising the issue. Counties across the border have been pressing Premier Danielle Smith’s government to expand their side of Highway 2, which connects to the same corridor. For Dawson Creek, this support highlights the shared challenges between both provinces.
Despite these calls, the response from British Columbia’s Transportation Ministry was not what local leaders had hoped for. The Peace River Regional District recently sent a formal request to the ministry asking it to reconsider highway twinning. The ministry replied with what Dober described as a “polite no.”
According to Dober, the letter from the province stated that about half of the highway from Fort St. John to the border is already twinned or has passing lanes. But Dober disputes those claims, arguing that the reality on the ground does not match the ministry’s numbers. “We need to look after the safety of our residents, especially during the winter. Something needs to be done,” he said.
Local leaders believe the lack of action poses risks not only for drivers but also for the economy. Highway 2 is a vital trade route, especially in light of recent disputes between Canada and the United States over trade policies. For the Peace region, the ability to move goods efficiently to Alberta is critical. A safer, twinned highway would make travel faster, smoother, and less hazardous for commercial traffic.
Supporters of the twinning project also point out that the costs of inaction could be higher than the expense of expansion. Road accidents, traffic delays, and increased maintenance from heavy use all add financial strain on both individuals and governments. Expanding the highway now could reduce long-term costs while preventing tragic accidents.
For Dawson Creek residents, the issue comes down to safety. Families, commuters, and truck drivers face risks every day when traveling along Highway 2. With long winters and heavy snowfall, the highway can quickly become treacherous. Passing lanes provide only limited relief, and single-lane stretches remain a problem when traffic builds up.
Mayor Dober has made it clear that the community will keep pressing the province. While the ministry may not see twinning as a priority now, local voices continue to highlight the urgent need. For many in Dawson Creek and the wider Peace region, Twinning Highway 2 Safety is not just a matter of convenience—it is a matter of protecting lives.
