Salmon Passage Reopens Historic Pathway
For the first time in more than a century, a newly built salmon passage has restored access to Okanagan Lake for sockeye salmon. The long-awaited project reopens more than 350 square kilometres of traditional habitat that had been blocked for generations. Completed near Penticton, the passage bypasses the Okanagan Lake dam and removes one of the last major barriers left by colonization.
A Century of Barriers Finally Broken
The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) led the effort, calling it a milestone in restoring ecological balance and cultural heritage. “One hundred years ago, dams were built throughout the valley, severing the connection of water and their ecosystems,” explained Zoe Eyjolfson, project lead and fluvial geomorphologist. The historic damage included channelized rivers, fragmented ecosystems, and massive habitat loss that pushed salmon to the brink of disappearance.
Construction on the $5 million project began in March with support from multiple ONA bands and cross-border partners. The grand opening on August 18 drew more than 200 people, reflecting the cultural and ecological importance of the work.
Community and Cultural Significance
The passage is more than infrastructure—it is a celebration of resilience. Penticton Indian Band Chief sil-teekin y̓il̓mixʷm Greg Gabriel called the achievement a sacred moment. “Today, we are going to open up this waterway to create a passage for our salmon to continue on with their journey, as they did thousands of years ago,” he said. “This is an amazing day for our Nation, for our relatives across the 49th parallel, and for our community in snpintktn (Penticton).”
The design ensures water access at all levels while preventing invasive species from entering the lake. Natural features such as stones and boulders create flow breaks, forming habitat for native species like the Rocky Mountain ridged mussel.
Building on Past Lessons
A fishway built in 2019 failed because water levels limited its effectiveness. This new passage resolves those shortcomings with a permanent, naturalized flow system. Funded primarily by Washington State’s Habitat Conservation Plan and the Priest Rapids Coordinating Committee, the project strengthens both ecological restoration and cross-border cooperation.
The Okanagan River belongs to the Columbia River basin, meaning salmon restoration here benefits watersheds far downstream. Though this year’s migration will remain small due to thermal barriers, the system will be fully prepared for 2026’s salmon run.
Looking Ahead
Community leaders and environmental advocates see the passage as both a restoration of ecosystems and a renewal of cultural traditions. While salmon runs will take time to recover, the project ensures that once-abundant pathways are permanently open again.
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