Myra Canyon Trestles
Thompson Okanagan
Old railway trestles may seem to have more to do with nostalgia than the well-being of a community, but when you’re talking about the Myra Canyon Trestles in the Okanagan, old railway trestles have everything to do with tourism and local recreation. They’re a vital community asset.
The 18 historic Myra Canyon Trestles were once part of the now-defunct Kettle Valley Railway. For many years, they have been part of a highly popular hiking and cycling route, widely used by both locals and tourists.
After the Kelowna wildfires of 2003 severely damaged most of the trestles, the community, working with local business as well as the provincial and federal governments, took action. A task force assessed options and moved forward with an extensive restoration project.
The Province contributed $2.93 million toward the $18.9 million project, which saw the trestles rebuilt and reopened in celebration of their status as a cultural and historic treasure for British Columbia.
