By Times Chronicle Staff
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is continuing upgrades to the Secrest Hill Agricultural Worker’s Campsite (formerly Loose Bay Campground) located at 500 Secrest Hill Road in rural Oliver’s Electoral Area “C”.
This continued work will involve the construction of an open-air kitchen shelter for use by campground guests, the RDOS said.
Construction is expected to begin within the next week, with project completion expected by the end of April 2024. This work is a continuation of the upgrades to the Secrest Hill Agricultural Worker’s Campsite, which is grant-funded by the Ministry of Agriculture Food and Fisheries.
“I am pleased to see the addition of an open-air kitchen at the Secrest Hill Agricultural Worker’s Campsite,” said Rick Knodel, Area “C” Director. “The camp has seen major improvements in the past few years and continues to provide quality living arrangements for agricultural workers, which is much-needed in this region.”
Secrest Hill Agricultural Worker’s Campsite is expected to open on Monday, April 1, 2024. Campsite visitors are asked to use caution and follow signage around the construction site.
The RDOS assumed management of the Secrest Hill Agricultural Worker’s Campsite in 2020 to ensure COVID-19 safety measures were in place.
With up to $657,000 in support from the province, the RDOS completed significant upgrades to the campsite throughout 2021 and 2022 to improve camping accommodations for agricultural workers in the region.
Improved amenities include the formalization of campsite locations, new washroom and shower facilities, new sewer and water utilities, Wi-Fi and electrical upgrades, and road access/egress routes.
In addition, 50 picnic tables were built as part of an agreement with the Okanagan Correctional Centre (OCC) and installed at individual campsites.
