A far-reaching vision continues every time a tap is turned and the water flows.
In his new book Water from the Hills: The story of irrigation in the Vernon district, Coldstream resident Peter Tassie captures the history behind the local water systems and the individuals involved.
“They were strong-willed people and they had to be. There’s no question of their sincerity and commitment of making a better community,” said Tassie, a retired engineer.
Among those highlighted in the book is Tassie’s father Gilbert, who was manager of the Vernon Irrigation District from 1937 to 1948.
“As a kid, we lived and breathed irrigation. Even on weekends, he (Gilbert) would fix up his Model A Ford as a service truck,” said Tassie.
“We also had our own orchard and out of necessity, we spent the summer irrigating.”
The book starts off with early irrigation at the Coldstream Ranch and how a growing population fuelled the demand for water. To quench that thirst, lakes were tapped on the Aberdeen Plateau and the Grey Canal was developed to get that water to consumers.
The formation of the VID is recounted as are some of the internal challenges, including financial woes in 1937 and dissatisfaction among water users.
“George Ormsby and Bill Baumbrough were the backbone of VID for a long time. They turned it around in 1937,” said Tassie.
As the years went by, the utility continued to evolve and one of the most significant changes was in the late ‘60s when underground lines were installed.
Along with Baumbrough and Ormsby, the book highlights many other high-profile names, from early pioneers to irrigation workers and trustees.
They range from William Ricardo and Charles and Forbes Vernon to Bill Osborn, Brian Harvey and Cliff Kanester.
“I got really bound up in the thing. Many of the trustees are gone but I felt I knew them and some of them I did,” said Tassie.
Tassie wrote Water from the Hills: The story of irrigation in the Vernon district with support from the Okanagan Historical Society’s Vernon branch and copies are available at Bookland and the Greater Vernon Museum.
“I hope to attract other people to follow up on what occurred with irrigation. There’s a lot more information to bring up,” said Tassie.
A book launch will be held Sept. 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Mackie Lake House.
Tassie will be in attendance with books to sign, and refreshments will be provided.
