BC Parks has provided a clearer timeline for the partial opening of the Othello Tunnels in Hope and says it will reopen in mid-August.
The government responded to a request from the Hope Standard on July 17, explaining the newest delays in having the park opened after the damage from the 2021 November floods.
"Our geotechnical restoration work on this park continues," BC Parks said via email. "However, since our last update, we’ve discovered a higher than expected amount of unstable rock that needs to be removed above the trail, and more rigorous stabilization works within the tunnels are required to make sure the trail is safe for people to visit again.
"The rest of the park is projected to open in 2025."
According to the government, the rock removal and tunnel stabilization work being done requires "scaling, rock bolting, mesh and shotcrete installation to reduce the risk of rocks falling on the trail." The restoration is also happening in two phases in order to allow some areas to be open sooner than others.
In June, media were told that restoration work had been taking longer due to the significant damage and risks posed to the public. Restoration was also quite complicated, they said, due to the challenges of doing repairs in the area.
The trails, which are in Coquihalla Canyon Park just outside of Hope.
Restoration work began in April with the province understanding that restoration of the entire area would not be complete by the end of the year. Later, on June 20, the province announced that the tunnels would partially reopen sometime in July.
The province had reported then that "crews have nearly finished removing loose or unstable soil, rocks and vegetation along the canyon slopes and tunnels, and steel bars have been grouted into place to help stabilize rocks. Pinned mesh will be added to part of the ceiling and walls of the first tunnel. And "sprayed concrete will be applied wherever the rock is significantly deteriorated."
Future work also includes bridge repairs and replacement; building berms and doing more assessments and safety work for rockfalls; and taking necessary steps for wildfire prevention in the area.
"We appreciate people’s understanding and patience as we work to restore and safely reopen Coquihalla Canyon Park. BC Parks will provide updates as progress is made towards the reopening," BC Parks said.
Despite the continued closure, the Hope, Cascades and Canyons Visitor Centre wants to ensure both locals and visitors that there is still plenty to do in the region such as fishing, hiking, biking, and visiting other attractions in Hope.
"The Syéx̱w Chó:leqw Adventure Park is a great alternative to the Othello Tunnels," said Sarah Auguste, the Visitor Centre coordinator. "It's a great opportunity to experience and learn about the history of the area. And experience the beauty of Hope and the Fraser Valley.
"Also, we're working closely with our partners in Boston Bar, so the Hell's Gate air tram is available. We're also excited about the opportunity to place an emphasis on other hiking trails in Hope."
Auguste said she, like many in Hope, are excited for the reopening of the tunnels. She is also inspired by the passion locals have for the area and she looks forward to welcoming guests and guiding them.
In the meantime, she said the Visitor Centre is ready to provide alternatives and is more than happy to help people make their experience in Hope a memorable one this summer.
