SD8 Reassures Teachers Federation: No Creston Bypass Plans Currently

Representatives from the Kootenay Lake Teachers Federation attended a meeting of School District No. 8 (SD8) in November 2025 to express concerns regarding a proposed Highway 3 bypass in Creston. The delegation highlighted worries that the bypass could potentially interfere with the outdoor field used by students at Kootenay River Secondary School. In response, the SD8 board was urged to engage with the Ministry of Transportation and the Town of Creston to reconsider the bypass plans.

Following this meeting, SD8 staff reached out to both the Ministry of Transportation and the Town of Creston for further clarification on the project. The Town of Creston informed SD8 that there are currently no plans to move forward with the bypass project. In a letter to the Kootenay Lake Teachers Federation, SD8 Board Chair Susan Chew emphasized that the board would not advocate for any project that jeopardized the school’s outdoor space.

“While I understand and acknowledge the apprehensions regarding potential effects, I wish to clarify that we would not advocate for this project if it threatened the school’s continued functional use of its outdoor space,” Chew stated. She also noted that the Ministry intends to arrange a meeting with the SD8 board in the spring of 2026 to provide updates on the situation.

The board remains committed to advocating for safe and accessible school grounds. Chew reiterated that SD8 will seek more specific information regarding any possible future projects and their timelines. She added that both the Ministry and the Town of Creston assured her that if a road realignment or bypass were deemed feasible, there would be extensive consultations involving the school district, the public, Indigenous communities, and local business operators.

Chew concluded by stating that any potential plans would not materialize for many years, following thorough consultations and obtaining various approvals. This proactive approach aims to mitigate concerns from the community and ensure that the interests of students and educational facilities remain a priority.