The VIA 97 International Alliance consists of partners from both sides of the border from our northernmost community, Enderby, British Columbia, to our southernmost, Leavenworth, Washington. Our membership consists of the Canadian non-profit Highway 97 Border Region Coalition, the Washington non-profit North Central Washington Resource Conservation and Development Council, and the North Central Washington Economic Development District. The Alliance has the full and active support of elected officials from 3 counties and their cities in Washington State (Okanogan, Chelan and Douglas), the elected officials and tourism agencies in British Columbia’s Okanogan region, the Colville Confederated Tribes and the Okanagan Nations Alliance.

Historically, the Highway 97 corridor was known as the Okanogan Caribou Trail and had great economic significance to early residents. Maps from this early time show this as a vital trade route with very little emphasis on the line of demarcation created by the US/Canada border. The Via 97 International Alliance recognizes the significance of this route, which has served such an important role in the economic health of our interior region and offers opportunities for those communities lying along Highway 97. It is the mission of the Alliance to promote this unique region for the benefit of all its varied communities. Many of these communities offer many outstanding opportunities and rich cultural diversity, but do not always have the tools available to work independently on the types of issues undertaken by the Alliance. The Alliance recognizes that the economic health of our geographic region is dependent on collaboration. As partners, we continue to teach each other about new and exciting approaches to trade, tourism, and economic development and have the opportunity to more effectively work toward solutions.

Between 2002 and 2005 the Alliance implemented a strategic plan which included development of the VIA 97 logo, the VIA 97 website, recruitment of new members, and establishment of the beautiful Okanogan Trails Scenic Byway.  The current five-year strategic plan includes continued support to the Scenic Byway and VIA 97 website, implementing roadside signage which introduces travelers to the VIA 97 concept, expanding partnerships, a possible green route for marketing of sustainable businesses, and promotion of the region as an alternative route to the 2010 winter Olympics in Vancouver, BC.  The VIA 97 International Alliance is also currently working on improving trade barriers between our countries and improving flexibility for the border crossings which are essential to the economic health of our communities.

Abstract

An International coalition including The North Central Washington Resource Conservation & Development Council, HWY 97 Border Region Society, Colville Confederated Tribes, and Okanagan Nation Alliance have adopted a project to promote HWY 97 from Leavenworth, Washington, to Vernon, B.C., as a Tourism, Trade, and Transportation Corridor in order to foster regional economic development.

Their efforts have been successful in obtaining a “Scenic Byway” designation for a portion of the HWY from Pateros, Wa. To Oroville, Wa. With this designation a comprehensive plan for the HWY corridor in that region has been funded and completed.

With the announcement of the opening of a brand new 2 million dollar visitor center in Osoyoos by summer of 2007, the VIA 97 effort is gaining momentum.

The recently completed website at www.via97.org will serve as a portal and cross link to other established websites in the region. The main concept of the VIA 97 website is to bring more visitors to the region and increase their length of stay once they arrive.

An effort is also underway to promote HWY 97 and the border crossing at Osoyoos as an alternate route to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, B.C.. Work on both sides of the border continues on implementing a strategic plan while keeping communication open between all partners.