By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
The Town of Oliver has announced that the Ditch Trail Project which saw the existing maintenance access road alongside the irrigation canal converted into a multi-use path has been completed.
As part of the Oliver Active Transportation, Downtown Beautification and Wayfinding Plan, the “Ditch” Trail (Canal) from Similkameen Avenue to Road 2 was identified for its potential as a recreational trail providing an accessible off-street path for walking and cycling on the west side of town.
Upgrades to the Ditch Trail commenced in July 2023 and include a four foot black chain link fence built between the canal and the path for the entire stretch, along with solar bollards, signage, heritage information, benches, garbage cans, and dog waste bag dispensers.
Pictured above is the pedestrian bridge across the canal just off Panorama Crescent.
The town noted that the project was possible due to funding from the Province’s Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant for the construction of a multi-use trail along the irrigation canal. The total budget of $607,000 saw the Province paying 70 per cent, or $425,000, and the Town paying the remaining amount of $182,000.
“This new trail is an exciting addition to the Town of Oliver’s active transportation options,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “The multi-use trail along the canal gives people more opportunities to walk, roll and stroll through their community, and I congratulate Mayor Johansen and Council for completing this great new feature on the west side of town.”
The grand opening and ribbon cutting for the project will be held on Monday, September 9 at 11 a.m. at the Pedestrian Bridge just off Panorama Crescent, with representatives from the Town of Oliver in attendance.
“It’s important to celebrate the completion of a project that will have such a positive impact on our community,” said Mayor Johansen. “Our staff have worked tirelessly to put the finishing touches on the Ditch Trail and I encourage residents to come out on September 9, to see all of the new trail upgrades.”
