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Hikers and outdoor lovers hoping to enjoy the popular Othello Tunnels near Hope this summer are going to have to wait a bit longer. Despite plans for a partial reopening in mid-July, the tunnels' grand return has been pushed to September of this year, according to Hope Mayor Victor Smith.
He explained the reasons for moving the target for completion, based on discussions with the crew doing the work.
"They have to make sure it's safe because the storm, in 2021, did a lot of damage, more than they thought," Smith said. "And again it will only be the first two tunnels that will be open. So, we're shooting for September."
Smith said he was informed by the crew doing the work that it is taking longer than anticipated to make the area safe for visitors. Due to the amount of rockscaling needed to be done, the soft reopening has a new, estimated timeline of end of August to end of September.
In June, media was 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, were heavily damaged in November 2021 in the historic atmospheric river event.
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.
Despite the continued closure, the Hope, Cascades and Canyons Visitor Centre wants to ensure both locals and visitors that there are still plenty to do in Hope such as fishing, hiking, biking, and visiting other attractions in Hope.
"The Sy茅x瘫w Ch贸: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 in September. 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.
