14

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


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.

22

Construction of Southern Okangan Lands Irrigation Line
20th Century, Circa 1920
Oliver, British Columbia, Canada


Credits:
Mrs. Gould, Arthur