history of the canal (ditch) project

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ODHS Archival Photos: Top to bottom, left to right—2010.007.014, OLP.982.78.002, 2010.007.007, 2010.007.018

For over 10,000 years the syilx Okanagan Indigenous Peoples have inhabited and used the land and waterways in Oliver and the Okanagan Valley for hunting and gathering purposes, that continue into current times.

One of the earliest records of settlers engaging in agriculture and irrigation methods dates to the 1890s with Chung Wu, who came from China. He built a waterwheel near the Okanagan River to water vegetables in his garden that he sold to nearby mining towns of Fairview and Camp McKinney. Chung Wu left the area after a flood effected his crop and being unable to restart.

The Irrigation Canal (“Ditch”) Project was initiated by BC Premier John Oliver (1918-1927) and his government on account of supporting returning World War One Veterans who were unemployed and often experiencing impoverishment. The Oliver region has a dry, arid climate and Premier Oliver acknowledged the agricultural potential in the land. Veterans would be provided work constructing the canal in exchange for discounted land to farm. The plan become know as the South Okanagan Lands Project (SOLP). The ditch started at Gallagher Lake and stretched south towards the US border. Upon completion it was 40km long and was gravity-fed, as it utilized the natural slope of the land. Several labour camps or “ditch camps” (9 total) were set-up for the workers to live, providing all the necessary amenities. The camps could house between 150-300 men. Unfortunately, there are limited records of women being employed on the canal.

In present times, the ditch is still a primary source of irrigation for the orchards and vineyards throughout Oliver and the surrounding region. Elements of the original canal remain in-tack, but with updated technology and powered pumping stations. It was an impressive engineering marvel in the 1920s and continues to be a community lifeline.

L: John Oliver 2024.4.1, R: OLP.982.78.009