Revelstoke Museum & Archives

We ventured out on the highway last weekend to travel to Vernon, and I was disgusted by the rudeness of some travelers. We were travelling at the speed limit, and twice we were fingered by passengers in cars passing us on double solid lines. The heavy traffic and the ever-present feeling that we were putting our lives at risk made me think about the first highway that was built between Revelstoke and Sicamous. After almost two years of work, the highway was officially opened at Malakwa on August 17, 1922.

The Revelstoke Review had a great deal of news about the special opening ceremony. The paper noted that Harry Bews of Revelstoke had lined up 40 auto drivers for the trip on the new road, “which is without exception the best, prettiest and most scenic drive in the interior of BC. And it is in the pink of condition, with the stones raked off, and level as a floor. The paper continued: “Major Kay Alexander deserves much credit for the way in which he has pushed the work ahead in readiness for the opening. Last Sunday he, together with four others motored out as far as Taft, planting signs ‘Slow’ around some of the corners and erecting painted signs at the various lakes en route, namely, ‘Griffin,’ ‘Victor,’ ‘Summit,’ ‘Three Valley’ and at ‘Alexander Falls’ (now known as Kay Falls,) the latter named after the genial major, who has taken a great personal interest in the falls, and is spending private means to enhance their beauty.” It was estimated that over 800 people attended the ceremony, which included ice cream and other refreshments as well as endless speeches.

Less than one month after the new highway opened, the first fatal accident occurred. Donald Adams of Revelstoke went off the road at Summit Lake and his car plunged into the lake. Two of his passengers were killed in the accident. One of them was Isabelle Steed, his fiancee’s mother, and the other was Miss Lister, Matron of Queen Victoria Hospital. Mr. Adams was cited for driving too fast around the twisty lake road.