Chamber backs ‘coordinated, persistent’ Taylor Bridge advocacy as ministry insists it is ‘committed to long-term solution’

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The province has stated it is continuing to work on a permanent, “long-term” solution for the Taylor Bridge. 

Politicians and residents alike have been raising concerns about the Highway 97 thoroughfare’s continued safety and calling for a replacement.

After receiving “unsatisfactory” answers from B.C. ‘s minister of energy and climate solutions Adrian Dix at the 2026 BC Natural Resources Forum, the Fort St. John and District Chamber of Commerce said it connected with the project manager of the Taylor Bridge. 

“We learned that planning work is supposedly complete, including land acquisition,” it stated in a February 3rd Facebook post. 

The chamber claimed it was told the main barrier for the project is funding, because the project requires a funding commitment of more than $1 billion. 

“This positions the project clearly as an advocacy priority where regional voices must remain coordinated and persistent,” the chamber said.  

In a February 5th statement to Energeticcity.ca, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit explained it prioritizes highway and infrastructure projects according to “comprehensive data and province-wide needs,” and acknowledged the “significance” of the bridge to the region and province. 

“The ministry remains committed to developing a long-term solution for the Taylor Bridge that is safe, reliable and supports the needs of the Peace region communities,” the ministry said. 

Planning, technical work, engineering studies, geotechnical investigations, engagement and First Nations consultation are all underway, the ministry stated, and a concept plan was being developed for a permanent solution. Property acquisition for “key parcels” of land is also underway. 

“Once properties are acquired, the ministry plans on performing necessary archaeological and soil characterization works in 2026 to advance the project.”

In April 2025, Peace River North MLA Jordan Kealy called for a construction deadline on a new Taylor Bridge and in June 2025, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit announced geotechnical studies had begun on both banks of the Peace River to evaluate options for a new bridge.