Brookmere - The resurrection

By: David Winter.

Brookmere is a historic railway community and station near the present day Coquihalla hwy.

As early as 1911 what became known as Brookmere on the Kettle Valley Railway was called Otter Summit.  Sadly the powers that be at the KVR chose otherwise and by 1924 a clearing in the forest was created along with a small engine house, complete with a turntable, a classic CPR water tank being shared by the rival Great Northern Railway and a significant station. 

The rail facilities grew until 1949 when the post war world began to change significantly. 

By 1983 first generation diesels were handling the last few freights that made any kind of money.  Closing down of the KVR was a big blow to the hamlet of Brookmere and only a few people stayed behind.  In recognition of the communities connection to the railway for a half century, the CPR left behind the water tank and a CPR caboose that was itself due to be come a part of railway history. 

The Brookmere water tower still stands

But Brookmere at the Peachland Museum was not finished.  It looked like a reawakening was taking place as it was to become a favourite destination for hikers and campers from all over the south Okanagan.  Roads were upgraded and bridges were put in and the gas station included a gift shop.  Tours were conducted and on any long weekend the place was abuzz with traffic.

The location in the Peachland Museum chosen for our 'updated' version of Brookmere offered challenges.  We had decided some time ago to build our KVR around the walls of the historic 8 sided museum.  One of the walls supported a wide staircase from the first floor. What was already a narrow shelf layout had to be cut into a wedge shape so visitors wouldn't hit their heads as they came up those steps. 

The lonely water tank and the old caboose became tourist attractions for 'day trippers' and over night stays. 

Camper set up shop a safe distance from the tracks because in our world the KVR was still hard at work hauling lumber to sawmills in the valley and supplies to the residents of 'ole Otter Summit.  These roads would be closed for much of the winter.

One of the last photos taken of the Brookmere general store and filling station became the inspiration for the "new" shop. 

It was good to have a place to get gas, grab a quick snack and maybe fix a tire because there was 50km of very lonely road back to Merritt and a much greater distance down the mountain to Princeton. 

Come again.  Any time.  We'd love to hear how your enjoyed the trip.