Lyonel Doherty, Times-Chronicle
Irrigation season in Oliver is not far off as the Town prepares the canal for water diversion.
Staff have recommended the diversion and irrigation start dates be April 5 and 11.
In his report, Director of Operations Shawn Goodsell said the plan is to divert water from Okanagan River on Tuesday, April 5, allowing them to fill the canal and prepare the pumphouses prior to irrigation turn-on Monday, April 11.
“Staff are hoping the overnight temperatures are mild during March,” Goodsell said.
As for the Gallagher Lake siphon repair project, he said the pumphouse construction and completion is on track for late March but will require some commissioning and testing in early April.
Goodsell said staff feel that everything is on track unless cold weather in late March affects concrete placement or contractors run into last-minute issues.
The $9.2 million siphon relocation project was a significant undertaking along Highway 97 last year. It was approved by council after a rock fall damaged a section of the canal in 2016.
