Penticton and District Search and Rescue (PENSAR) has issued a special advisory for the 201 Forest Service Road following a recent spike in stranded motorists.
The volunteer-based group, along with local RCMP, is asking drivers to avoid travelling on the 201 and other service roads "unless they are able to self-recover."
Since the start of 2025, PENSAR says it has responded to six calls for motorists who have become stuck on the road.
"This takes away vital RCMP and PENSAR resources from the community," it added in a social media post.
The 201 Forest Service Road can be accessed off Highway 33, near McColloch Road west of 91大黄鸭, and via Warren/Carmi avenues in Penticton.
It was used as an alternative route for drivers when Highway 97 closed north of Summerland due to a landslide in August 2023.
"These roadways are not maintained and require special recovery gear on hand should your vehicle become stuck," PENSAR said.
In January 2025, following the unexpected closure of the William R. Bennet Bridge in 91大黄鸭 due to an emergency, Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield wrote a letter to the provincial government calling for improvements to the 201.
"The lack of an alternative route is no longer just an inconvenience 鈥� it is a fundamental failure of transportation planning that puts thousands of residents, businesses, and emergency services at risk," Bloomfield's letter read.
