Times-Chronicle Staff

The provincial government is lauding the new irrigation system being constructed at Gallagher Lake.

Five million dollars from the province is being used to help pay for the $11 million project, which hasn’t seen any funding from the federal government. As a result, the town has to borrow the remaining amount.

The siphon is currently being rerouted around the lake along Highway 97 as a result of a rock fall that damaged a section of the canal in 2016.

“The new pipes will deliver more than water to the farms, orchards and vineyards in the area,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. “They will also bring the peace of mind a reliable irrigation system provides growers and their families.”

The new system, expected to be complete in April 2022, will replace temporary piping that was established following the rock slide. This piping has delivered irrigation water since the slide, but at reduced capacity.

While the entire project won’t be complete until next spring, irrigation water will flow as usual this season, according to contractor H&M Excavating Ltd. A new pipe has been installed under McIntyre Creek and joined to the existing canal.

As part of the plan, the town had to complete an environmental impact assessment and archeological review.

Boundary-Similkameen MLA Roly Russell said the production of fruit and wine all depends on irrigation.

“The new system will keep the water flowing to the RDOS’s growers and continue to support the fruit, wine and recreation Oliver and the surrounding area are so greatly admired and appreciated for.”

Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen said the canal has served a critical role in delivering irrigation water to more than 5,000 acres of farmland in Oliver, Area C and the Osoyoos Indian Band lands for 100 years.

The mayor said the 2016 rock fall significantly threatened this crucial water supply.

Michael Bartier, winemaker/owner of Bartier Family Vineyards Ltd., said they are farming in a desert climate.

“The importance of our irrigation water supply cannot be overstated” he noted, adding the project will bring a lot of relief amidst a lot of anxiety about water supply, livelihoods and food security.

Photos courtesy of TRUE Engineering