People who have been waiting to visit the historic Othello Tunnels will have to wait a bit longer as the reopening of a portion of the park is delayed.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy released a statement on Thursday saying contractors discovered damage to rock anchors.
“These anchors need to be reinstalled before finishing the rock fall protection, which has resulted in a need to push back reopening times,” says the spokesperson.
The opening of the first portion of the park, two of the three tunnels, in Coquihalla Canyon Park is now pushed back a month.
Previously, the province hoped to have a section of the park opened in mid-July but the new date is pegged for Aug. 19.
"We know people are excited to return to Coquihalla Canyon Park,” says the ministry. "The damage to this park was extensive and repair work continues.”
The park was shuttered in November 2021 after an atmospheric river brought heavy rain and wiped out more than 30 sites in the park, including the 110-year-old tunnels. The weather event affected bridge foundations and the stability of canyon slopes above and inside the tunnels.
BC Parks is working with experts to restore and reopen portions of the park as soon as possible, while work continues in other areas that remain closed.
The rock instability continues to be a challenge and the park needs to be safe before reopening.
"We appreciate people’s understanding and patience,” says the spokesperson.
The rest of the park is projected to open in 2025.
