A well-liked park in B.C. recognized for its previous train tunnels that people can walk through is set to partially reopen this summer after being closed for three years.
The province has stated that Coquihalla Canyon Park, also known as the Othello Tunnels, will undergo construction this spring to fix infrastructure damaged by heavy rain and flooding in November 2021.
Altogether, over 30 areas within the park were damaged, including all five of the historic train tunnels, which were constructed in 1914 and were quite an engineering achievement.
Situated close to Hope, the tunnels were once a part of the historic Kettle Valley Railway.
“Coquihalla Canyon Park and Othello Tunnels are highly popular, and their stunning beauty and distinctive features are a strong draw,” according to B.C.’s environment minister, George Heyman.
“We are aware that people have been waiting a long time for the park to reopen safely. The damage caused by the atmospheric river was extensive, and we are planning to build back more resilient infrastructure to better withstand the impacts of climate change.”
The province has announced that restoration work will take place in two phases, with the park expected to partially reopen in early July.
The initial phase will concentrate on restoring facilities and access from the park entrance and parking lot to the end of the second tunnel.
The pathway will be repaired and raised to prevent similar flooding damage. The remainder of the park is anticipated to open in 2025.
The province has stated that the foundations of the bridges and the stability of the canyon slopes above the tunnels were also affected, increasing the risk of falling rocks.
Local access roads and trails were also worn away by the flooding.
The repair project is expected to cost $4.5 million, with most of the funding provided by Ottawa.
“The park is right in our local area and draws tens of thousands of visitors each year. It also played a significant role in the movie First Blood, which was filmed in Hope in 1981,” explained Brian McKinney of Cascades and Canyons Visitor Centre and Museum in Hope.
“Whether you are a fan of John Rambo, a Kettle Valley Railway history enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of B.C., this park has it all. This is great news.”
