Empowering Kelowna: How Electricity Expansion Energizes Friends of South Slopes

The maintenance site for the Friends of the South Slopes (FOSS) just received a significant upgrade. Located on Stewart Road West, right by Myra Bellevue Provincial Park, this facility now has electricity, thanks to a two-year project.

Hugh Culver, a member of FOSS, explained that the new power supply will enhance security, improve communication among volunteers, and facilitate a switch from gas-powered to battery-operated tools. This change not only increases safety but also reduces environmental impact.

The project was funded by BC Parks, the Trans-Canada Trail Society, and a generous anonymous donor. Culver highlighted that this boost would help FOSS expand operations and better serve the wildlife and community.

FOSS was born in 1997, when a small group of people came together to focus on managing Crown lands in a way that balances recreation and conservation. In 2004, they signed a stewardship agreement with BC Parks, taking responsibility for Myra Bellevue Provincial Park. By 2022, FOSS also took over the Myra Canyon Trestle Restoration Society, which brought the Kettle Valley Rail Trail into their fold.

In 2023, FOSS plans to enhance the Myra Bellevue trail network further. These improvements aim to ease conflicts between mountain bikers and hikers while also protecting the local ecosystem. They are collaborating with the Westbank First Nation and the Okanagan Nation Alliance to share Indigenous history with visitors through upgraded kiosks and signage.

With electricity in place, volunteers can work safely even during hot summer months, when using gas equipment poses wildfire risks. “Electrical tools are quieter,” Culver noted, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the trails.

Moreover, FOSS is focused on making the trestles safer and revitalizing historical camp sites from the original railway construction. They are working with Maury Williams, a retired history professor from UBC Okanagan, who has led archaeological digs in Myra Canyon. Williams authored “Myra’s Men – Building the Kettle Valley Railway,” highlighting the railway’s significant history.

Culver emphasized that the Kettle Valley trestles represent a remarkable engineering feat and are recognized as a national treasure. They attract international tourists, offering a mix of recreational activities and historical intrigue. “Preserving that history enriches the experience for everyone,” he said.

As FOSS continues its work, they aim to create a space that connects people with both nature and history, making every visit to Myra Bellevue a more meaningful adventure.

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Kelowna|Parks and Recreation