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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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KELOWNA – Reconstruction of the historic Myra Canyon trestles destroyed by wildfire will begin this fall thanks to a $13.5-million partnership between the provincial and federal governments, Premier Gordon Campbell and Senator Ross Fitzpatrick announced today.
“The Myra Canyon trestles are a national treasure, a major tourism asset for the Okanagan economy and an invaluable part of our provincial heritage,” Campbell said. “The loss of the trestles was a devastating blow, and their reconstruction is a priority for us all. The same spirit of co-operation that helped us face the fires last summer has allowed governments, the community and local residents to work together to rebuild these vital pieces of B.C.’s history.”
Twelve of the 16 wooden trestles were destroyed and two steel trestles damaged last summer when the wildfire swept through Myra-Bellevue Protected Area. In October, Premier Campbell appointed a task force to develop a recovery and restoration plan. The task force included representatives from the federal, provincial and local governments and the Myra Canyon Trestle Restoration Society. Working from recommendations of a steering committee, the task force selected a plan that includes a combination of scaled-down and historic look-alike rebuilds.
Campbell said reconstruction is expected to begin in October on Trestle #18, adding that the reconstruction plan calls for all work to be complete in 2007. Under the government of Canada’s Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA), the federal government will contribute up to 90 per cent of the eligible expenses associated with the restoration costs, and the provincial government will fund the remaining amount.
“The government of Canada is committed to helping British Columbia restore the historic trestles that were damaged or destroyed by the forest fires of 2003,” said the Honourable D. Ross Fitzpatrick, Senator for Okanagan-Similkameen, on behalf of the government of Canada. “The residents of British Columbia can be assured that our governments will continue to work together to help them rebuild their communities and a national historic site for all Canadians to enjoy.”
The Myra Canyon Trestle Restoration Society, which has already raised more than $400,000 in additional funds for enhancements such as interpretive displays and programs that will be included in the restoration, will oversee the reconstruction.
“Since 1992, the society has led the effort to restore the Myra Canyon corridor and trestles, transforming it into one of British Columbia's most popular hiking and cycling trails,” said Ken Campbell, past president of the Myra Canyon Trestle Restoration Society and a member of the Premier's Task Force. “We have been involved in the recovery plan process and our members and volunteers look forward to participating fully in the reconstruction.”
Built between 1912 and 1914 by Canadian Pacific Railway, the trestles were part of the Kettle Valley Railway that linked the centre and southeast regions of the province with the main railway at Hope. Decommissioned in 1973, the rail line was purchased in 1990 by the Province and transformed into one of British Columbia’s most popular hiking and cycling trails. In January 2003, just seven months before the wildfire, the Myra Canyon section of the Kettle Valley Railway, now part of the Trans Canada Trail, was named a National Historic Site.
In May 2004, the province converted the majority of Myra-Bellevue from a Protected Area to a Class A Provincial Park.
Each year, 50,000 people visit Myra Canyon and its trestles, generating $5 million in economic benefits. -30-
This news release and backgrounder are also available on the government of Canada’s website at www.psepc.gc.ca .
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