Image: B.C. Parks /

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Othello Tunnels

B.C. government says Othello Tunnels east of Hope will partially reopen this summer

Jun 20, 2024 | 11:10 AM

HOPE — The B.C. government says a portion of the Coquihalla Canyon Park, including the first two Othello Tunnels, will partially reopen in mid-July.

According to a statement Thursday (June 20) from the province, the reopening plan follows significant damage from the flooding events of November 2021 that ravaged more than 30 sites in the park, including the historic tunnels that were constructed in 1914. Bridge foundations were also adversely impacted, coupled with stability of the canyon slopes above and inside the tunnels, thereby exacerbating the risk of falling rocks. Local access roads and trails were eroded by the flooding.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy says the first phase of restoration work to safely reopen the park is underway and will allow people to access the park from the parking lot to the end of the second tunnel. Public works 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. Sprayed concrete will be applied wherever the rock is significantly deteriorated.

To minimize the risk of debris falling onto the trail adjoining the tunnels, drape mesh will be installed along portions of the top of the canyon slope. Some areas along the trail are also being resurfaced and elevated to prevent similar damage from flooding.

The exact date of the reopening will be posted on the park webpage and BC Parks social media in the coming weeks. The rest of the park is projected to open in 2025.

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The total cost of the project is approximately $4.5 million, made possible due in large part to the federal government’s Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements. B.C. Parks has been collaborating closely with First Nations and archeology and cultural heritage specialists to avert potential impacts to archeological and heritage values during construction.