27

An inquiry in 1924 by the Conservative Party's Public Accounts Committee found that only 1270 acres of the purchased 22,000 had been irrigated, and the project had returned only $89,000. In the face of these huge losses, the Conservative party used the results of their project inquiries in an attempt to convince settlers that the area would not yield sustainable profits. They claimed this inefficiency would result in hundreds of thousands in unpaid loans, and the cancellation of the Southern Okanagan Lands Project. Fortunately for the little town, the farmers did not scuttle the project, and development continued until the ditch was completed.

28

Southern Okanagan Irrigation Works Engineers
20th Century, Circa 1920's
Oliver, British Columbia, Canada


Credits:
Johnstone, James Cameron

29

While the semi-arid Okanagan presented great opportunity for colonists and veterans seeking new beginnings, promised luxuries would not be free for the taking. Engineer, farmer, and politician alike would be faced with the challenges of the semi-arid environment and her inhospitable terrain. Still, through persistence, determination, and taxpayers' dollars the irrigation project moved forward, and the foundation was layed for the Town of Oliver.

30

Workers gathered around Camp Fireside
20th Century, Circa 1920
Oliver, British Columbia, Canada


Credits:
Johnstone, James Cameron