A new chapter for salmon in Okanagan Lake is set to begin. On March 7, shovels will hit the ground in Penticton to start building a fish passage. This project aims to bring salmon back to the lake for the first time in nearly 100 years.
The snpink’tn (Penticton) Indian Band announced this exciting partnership with local First Nations, the provincial government, and the City of Penticton on February 27. This collaboration seeks to restore a crucial ecosystem that was disrupted a century ago.
The dam at the mouth of the Okanagan River, built in the 1950s, was a response to flooding issues faced by early settlers. However, this dam transformed the river into a narrow channel, cutting off access to many natural habitats. Salmon lost their spawning grounds, impacting the entire river ecosystem.
Since the 1990s, the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) and member nations, including the Penticton Indian Band, have been dedicated to restoring salmon populations. The creation of the new fishway is part of a broader effort to revitalize the salmon within the Columbia River system, which also involves various projects and hatcheries, including a facility located on snpink’tn band land.
Past improvements to dams downstream have already shown positive results, allowing salmon access to the Penticton area. Chief Greg Gabriel emphasized the community’s commitment to this work, stating, “We’ve focused on keeping water flowing, restoring habitats, and expanding them over time.” Many community members have actively participated in these efforts through the ONA Fisheries department.
A previous attempt to create a fishway in Penticton faced challenges in 2019 due to structural issues. But recently, the salmon population has shown significant signs of recovery. In 2024, the return of salmon is expected to be one of the highest since the ONA began its breeding programs, with returns in Osoyoos Lake rising dramatically compared to the 1990s.
This new fishway will not only help salmon but also serve as a barrier against invasive species, featuring a monitoring station for ongoing research. The project is made possible through partnerships with organizations like the Habitat Conservation Plan and TD Friends of the Environment.
During the construction phase, access to Okanagan Dam from the east bank near Loco Landing will be restricted, including a section of the dike and part of the parking lot. Additionally, the project plans to enhance the area by planting three times the number of native shrubs and riparian plants that currently exist, contributing to habitat restoration.
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