Phase II of the ORRI project will be designed with BPA funds and then implemented by a Upper Columbia PUD funding source. The Canadian portion of the Okanogan River has been heavily diked for flood control. Already part of the dike has been set back for the benefit of spawning salmonids (Phase 1).

The Canadian portion of the Okanogan River has been heavily diked for flood control. Already part of the dike has been set back for the benefit of spawning salmonids. The second phase of the dike set back will be designed and then implemented by Upper Columbia PUD funding. The Okanagan River Restoration Project (ORRI) is located on the mainstem of the Okanagan River in British Columbia approximately 10 miles upstream from Osoyoos Lake. Two properties totaling 1087 meters in length were purchased specifically for this project and are located on the west bank of the river adjacent to the northern boundary of the Town of Oliver BC. This phase of ORRI (Phase IV) will include dyke set back restoring river meanders and creation of pool/riffle sequences. On the re-established floodplain riparian vegetation will be restored. The creation of complex and diverse natural habitat will provide high quality spawning habitat for all species and rearing for steelhead and possibly Chinook. Reconnection with the floodplain is intended to decrease silt loads in the main channel. Egg to fry survival is expected to increase and rearing sites will be established where there are presently none. The project is designed to be self-sustaining and ecosystem based.