Ewing Landing evacuation alert upgraded to evacuation order; local state of emergency declared
Due to slope instability, a local State of Emergency has been declared on Westside Road N from 5625 Westside Road to 10374 Westside Road in response to the threat to property caused by slope instability. The State of Emergency, declared by the Regional District of Central Okanagan, is a proactive approach that gives crews access to specific private properties to protect public infrastructure. As well, evacuation alerts for two properties in Ewing’s Landing have been upgraded to an Evacuation Order.
A State of Emergency is a measure authorized by the Emergency Program Act. The declaration is valid for a period of seven days until May 8, 2018.
Until further notice, a section Westside Road at Ewing’s Landing is open to single lane alternating traffic and is now operating at a 50 per cent load restriction for commercial vehicle traffic. For current road condition updates, visit drivebc.ca.
The two Ewing’s Landing properties currently under Evacuation Order:
- 8645 N Westside Road
- 8635 Westside Road
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) is working on repairs to stabilize Westside Road after a landslide Tuesday morning affected the road. An evaluation of the situation continues. Public safety and the safety of emergency response personnel are the primary concerns at this time.
Emergency Operations Centre staff are working with other response agencies to manage the situation and minimize the impacts; however, affected property owners should be prepared to obey the evacuation order.
Killiney Beach evacuation order continues
The Evacuation Order for 12 Killiney Beach area properties remains in effect until further notice. Two residents were displaced and have made alternate arrangements for accommodation.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) continues working on repairs to stabilize Westside Road after a landslide on Saturday afternoon affected the road and downed power lines. As well, an assessment is required to confirm the stability of area slopes in order to protect the road and the one dozen properties below that are subject to the Evacuation Order.
Until further notice, single lane alternating traffic is in place through this area of Westside Road in Killiney Beach. For current road condition updates, visit drivebc.ca.
Landslide preparation
Landslides are one of the top 10 emergency hazards in British Columbia. Learn how to protect your property and recognize the danger signs including falling rocks or boulders, abnormally dirty water, a faint rumbling sound or unusual sounds such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. If a landslide has occurred stay away from the area as there may still be a danger of further slide activity or some flooding may occur in the aftermath. Learn more online at PreparedBC: Landslide information for homeowners and home buyers.
Across the region, local governments continue with various flood prevention and mitigation measures. All property owners living near creeks and streams in the Central Okanagan, especially those who have historically experienced flooding, are responsible for protecting their buildings, structures and properties from groundwater and potential flood damage. This includes protective measures for storm drains in underground parkades.
Flooding preparation
Sand and sandbags are available to help Central Okanagan residents with their flood prevention preparations. The 15 sand and sandbag locations across the region can be found at cordemergency.ca/map.
At this time, Okanagan Lake is not a concern and it is not anticipated to be at risk of flooding this year.
For information such as specific flood protection measures being put in place, park and road closures or water quality advisories, visit these local government websites:
City of Kelowna
City of West Kelowna
District of Lake Country
District of Peachland
Regional District of Central Okanagan
Westbank First Nation
Check cordemergency.ca for the most up to date information, and resources on how to be prepared and keep your family and property safe. You may also subscribe for e-updates to have the latest news delivered to your inbox.
