Dubbed "Wacky" Bennett by one and all, his objectives and dreams for the province of BC were far from "wacky." When he was elected in 1952 as Premier of British Columbia he began the massive job of pulling the province from comparative obscurity into the 20th century. One of his most ambitious goals was to create a road system linking the province together and making the Interior, with all its potential, accessible. Not only roads but other transport links were forged: railroads and ferry systems, and for the Okanagan, the long-hoped for Okanagan Lake Bridge.
His vision for BC was on the grand scale and included some amazing projects to achieve it. He was not only a visionary - but also a hard-headed businessman. Projects like the Okanagan Lake Bridge came in on budget and on schedule. In his twenty years as Premier he made British Columbia a bright star among the the provinces of Canada.
He was often ridiculed and the cartoonists of the day were merciless in their characterization of him. Wacky, however, let the comments and barbs run off him like water off a duck's back. His image abroad was significant. Time magazine featured him on their cover - a first for a provincial Premier and a tribute to a non-American. He lived his life with honour and gave to British Columbia his heart and loyalty.