BC wildfire crews redeployed but flood recovery efforts continue

Localized Flooding May 2017

BC wildfire crews are being redeployed due to the escalating BC wildfire situation, which has resulted in the first provincial state of emergency since 2003.  We would like to thank the Province and BC wildfire crews for their assistance with flooding measures since May and wish them a safe summer as they help with fires throughout the province.

Monday and Tuesday, wildfire crews will work removing sandbags in the Casa Loma and Pritchard areas before redeployment. Local contactors will continue work removing Tiger Dams in Peachland and Gabion baskets in Kelowna’s City Park and help with further recovery efforts moving forward. 

Residents can continue to support flood recovery efforts by bringing sandbags to the street front for pickup and disposal. Burlap and polypropylene bags should be separated at the curb. The Emergency Operations Center will be releasing information as it becomes available about further sandbag removal assistance on private property.

Detailed information about sandbag locations for drop off, debris removal, details about recovery efforts, and a link to the online Emergency Management BC sandbag recovery application along with a tool for residents to report damage to their properties, is available at www.cordemergency.ca/beprepared/flood-recovery. 

Lake levels
Over the weekend, Okanagan Lake dropped 5.4 centimetres to 342.86 metres above sea level.  The lake remains just over 38 centimetres above full pool, the normal lake level for this time of year. Since Friday morning, the level of Kalamalka Lake fell another 1.1 centimetres to 392.129 metres, 42 centimetres above full pool.

Rescindment
The Evacuation Alert for the following Westbank First Nations Reserve #10 properties have been rescinded:

  • Lakefront cabins on Lindley Drive
  • Waterfront lots from the Bennett Bridge to the Old Ferry Wharf Road.

To view the current Evacuation Alerts and Orders within the Central Okanagan, please visit www.cordemegency.ca/map.

Sandbag removal

Waterfront property owners with sandbag walls can begin to lower them, but should keep a wall that protects against wind and wave action to a height of 60 centimetres above the current lake level (Okanagan Lake – 342.86m / Kal Lake – 392.129m).

Residents removing sandbags and working around stagnant water should also take precautions to protect themselves, by wearing gloves and rubber boots, as well as washing hands regularly.

Under no circumstances should sandbags be emptied into any creeks, lakes, wetland, beaches or other watercourses as outline in the Water Sustainability Act. The impact can destroy fish habitat and affect drinking water supply, infrastructure, flood control, navigation and recreational activities.

For municipal information such as boat launch, park and beach closures, and water quality advisories, visit their websites:

To stay informed about flooding and the recovery efforts, visit www.cordemergency.ca, sign up for e-updates or call the information line at 250-469-8490.