BC government contributes $5M for work on Oliver irrigation system

The province has announced a $5 million contribution to an Okanagan irrigation project.

Minister of Agriculture Lana Popham said the work to reroute the Oliver area’s irrigation system around Gallagher Lake will provide year-round water for growers.

The project is estimated to cost $11.5 million, with $6.5 million coming from the Town of Oliver.

Its estimated date of completion is April 2022.

The BC government said the scheme will support the provincial economy and help boost food security.

“The new pipes will deliver more than water to the farms, orchards and vineyards in the area,” said Popham.

“They will also bring the peace of mind a reliable irrigation system provides growers and their families. Our ongoing partnership with the Town of the Oliver represents the commitment, support and appreciation both governments have for the excellent fruit growers and winemakers in the region, and the impact they have on the community and province.”

The new system will replace temporary pipes that were put in place after a 2016 rockslide.

Those pipes, which ensured the delivery of water in the wake of damage caused by the slide, were vulnerable during hotter years and operated at an overall reduced capacity.

“The canal pipeline has served a critical role in delivering irrigation water to over 5,000 acres of farmland in Oliver, surrounding Area C (rural Oliver), and the Osoyoos Indian Band lands for 100 years,” said Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen.

“The 2016 rockfall significantly threatened this crucial irrigation water supply. The $11-million rerouting project is currently underway along Gallagher Lake and this $5-million provincial contribution towards this project is gratefully received by many small and large farms, orchards, wineries and businesses in the agricultural sector.”