8

Southern Okanagan Irrigation Works Syphon at Fairview
20th Century, Circa 1920
Oliver, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Johnstone, James Cameron

9

Safety along the rocky cliffs was a constant concern, as was the integrity of the ditch. Inspectors and engineers worked alongside construction crews to ensure consistent quality and stability.

10

Inspectors at Southern Okanagan Irrigation Project camp
20th Century, Circa 1920's
Oliver, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Johnstone, James Cameron

11

Construction on the canal was not without hazard, however. Along McIntyre Bluff and the Gallagher Lake cliffs, rockslides were a regular occurrence. Wooden covering was put into place to try and protect the flumes and canal, but these proved insufficient on their own. Eventually, the paneling would be augmented by a complete gravel covering, which exists to this day.

12

Damage to the Flume caused by cliff debris
20th Century, 1940-1970
Oliver, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Southern Okanagan Lands Project

13

As construction of the canal progressed, and more land became available for agriculture, the town steadily grew. Some people did not come to the Oliver townsite to establish farms. Services and businesses began to develop, appealing to construction workers and farmers alike.

14

East side of Oliver mainstreet showing Gent's Furnishings
20th Century, Circa 1920's
Oliver, British Columbia, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Mrs. Mabee, George

15

Regularly, the Okanagan River flooded its banks, and threatened to wash out the siphon. While no major damage was incurred, the incident prompted the Project engineers to consider better protecting Oliver's irrigation.

16

Oliver syphon during the flood of 1924
20th Century, Circa 1924
Oliver, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Oliver and District Heritage Society

17

In response to the 1924 flood, reinforcing wooden braces were constructed around the siphon in addition to the ground supports. These would reduce flex in the pipe, and protect it from floods and other natural ocurrences.

18

Syphon crossing Okanagan River on a truss bridge
20th Century, 1922-1930
Oliver, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Oliver and District Heritage Society

19

Seventy-two inches in diameter, and originally constructed with wooden-stave piping, the siphon was to carry water from the valley side east of Oliver, under the town, to the west-lateral flume and the west side continuation of the Ditch.

For safety and reliability reasons, only the portions of the siphon to be constructed above-ground were made of wooden-stave piping. Over 1700 feet of the siphon was made this way, at a cost just under $30,500. The portion of the pipe to be built beneath the town measured over 1800 feet long, and was constructed from steel piping protected by heavy coats of asphalt paint. It was priced at $26 per foot, with a total price of $47,268. In total, the siphon cost just under $78,000.

20

Southern Okanagan Irrigation Syphon view from Fairview
20th Century, Circa 1920
Oliver, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Johnstone, James Cameron

21

With most of the Southern Okanagan Lands Project completed, the foundation for a rich agricultural community lie ready for development. In the years to follow, the ditch would provide water to hundreds of farmers and orchardists seeking to make their fortune in Oliver.