History The Fires

Wildfire
Up to August 16th the year 2003, although very dry, was unfolding normally. Then, at 2am in the morning, lightning struck a tree at Squally Point across Okanagan Lake from Peachland. The resulting fire quickly spread northeast towards Kelowna, and southeast towards Penticton, fanned by winds which sweep in from the Okanagan Connector, and split in both directions on the east side of the lake. The southern thrust of the fire threatened homes near Naramata, but eventually burned itself out. It was a different and more tragic story to the north. Despite the gallant efforts of firefighters, the fire destroyed over 200 homes, and blackened over 20,000 hectares of forest and parkland. On September 3rd, the final chapter played out as the fire entered the Myra Canyon. In all, 12 wooden trestles were totally destroyed, and the decks of the two steel trestles were burned, plus damage to the trail itself and the amenities that had been built up over the last 10 years.

Recovery
While the fire was still in progress, emergency meetings of the society were in progress to discuss plans to deal with this disaster.

Steering Committee
A Steering Committee was formed to formulate plans and options for trestle replacement. Included on this committee were representatives of the Regional District, the two senior levels of government as well as Trails BC, Friends of the South Slopes, Canadian Pacific Railway, and your society, represented by president Denis Frie, and past president Ken Campbell.

Task Force
The Steering Committee was instructed to present plans to the Premier’s Task Force, whose members include MLA Rick Thorpe, Senator Ross Fitzpatrick, Mayor Walter Gray, and our past president, Ken Campbell. This Task Force has received the input from the Steering Committee, and passed on detailed recommendations to the Premier’s office.

Replacement Plans
Plans have been formulated for the trestle replacement starting with the replacement of Trestle 18 in the fall of 2004, with final completion scheduled for 2007. The replaced trestles will be constructed of wood, to reflect the appearance of those destroyed, except that a lighter grade of construction will be permitted due to the reduced loading.

Funding
Funding for trestle replacement will be provided by the two senior levels of government. Enhancements to the trail will be undertaken by the Myra Canyon Trestle Restoration Society with generous funding provided through donations from private individuals, the Central Okanagan Foundation and the private sector.