By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
The Town of Oliver officially opened its new Ditch Trail multi-use path today with a ribbon cutting and cake, which provides West Oliver with a new recreational pathway along the irrigation canal.
Noting the project commenced in July 2023 Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen said the project has now been substantially completed. Joining Johansen for the opening were town councillors Petra Veintimilla, Aimee Grice, Terry Schafer, and Dave Mattes along with town staff and a handful of residents.
“I’d also like to recognize our amazing, and I mean amazing Public Works team for all their hard work and dedication in bringing this trail project to completion,” Johansen said.
He noted the project was made possible due to funding from the provincial government including the BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant as part of the Oliver Active Transportation Downtown Beautification and Wayfinding Plan.
The “ditch” or canal trail stretches approximately two kilometres from Similkameen Avenue to Road 2 after the existing maintenance access road was converted to a multi-use recreational path.
Included in the upgrades were a four foot black chain link fence between the canal and the pathway, solar bollards, signage, heritage information, benches, garbage cans, and dog waste bag dispensers.
“We look forward to seeing residents and visitors alike being able to use this trail year-round. It’s important to celebrate the completion of a project that will have such a positive impact on our community,” Johansen concluded.
