Important: Temporary access to Wilson’s Landing area from Vernon only
Central Okanagan, B.C. – The Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) will allow temporary access for a select area within an Evacuation Order area, entering from the north end of Westside Road from Vernon, so that residents can check on their homes and retrieve important items.
This a challenging time for residents and the EOC understands this small step may help to relieve some of the stress.
Temporary access for Wilson’s Landing
Starting tomorrow, Friday, September 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., temporary access will be provided to the following property owners:
- Wilson’s Landing Area:
- Wilson’s Landing
- Jenny Creek Road subdivision
- Blue Grouse Ranch (1619 – 1731 Westside Rd N)
- Westside Place
- Properties along Westside Road starting from 1619 Westside Rd N to 2411 Westside Rd N (including Camp Owaissi)
- Cinnabar Creek Area:
- 3895 Westside Rd N to 3523 Westside Rd N (including Denison Road)
Road safety along this stretch of Westside Road is a priority. Please respect the Okanagan Indian Band and communities by reducing speed on Westside Road and watch for hazards on the road. Traffic control measures will be in place to protect BC Hydro crews working along Westside Road and could result in delays. Please be patient. Crews are working around the clock to repair infrastructure to return people home as soon as possible.
Checkpoint requirements
Residents will be directed to enter and leave through a designated RCMP checkpoint adjacent to Cinnabar Creek. At the checkpoint, they will be required to:
- Show their government issued photo identification to confirm they live in the area.
- Present a property tax notice or utility documentation if the property is a recreation or secondary property.
- Travel directly to and from their home, following the direction of RCMP and utility flaggers working on road.
- Refrain from taking pictures of other homes.
- Sign and agree to a waiver and a release of liability.
The RCMP will be patrolling the area and if these guidelines are not followed, access will be revoked. Keep visits to immediate family only and it is recommended attending residents be 19 years or older.
Temporary access do’s and don’ts
What is permitted during the temporary access visit:
- Drive directly to your property and directly back out through the same checkpoint.
- Collect documents, medication or other personal items.
- Change irrigation settings.
- Pick up gear, clothes, tools, equipment or a vehicle.
- Check on house and contents.
What is not permitted:
- Bring friends or family members with you – only property owners are permitted.
- Visit a house that has been lost in the wildfire if a fire inspection has not been conducted.
- Use shower, bathroom or laundry facilities (water and power may not be available).
- Clean out fridge or freezer.
- Sightsee in the neighbourhood or stop to take pictures for friends and family.
- Walk around the neighbourhood or enter a neighbour’s property.
- Sift through or search fire damaged structures or burned areas.
Safety information
Due to hazards and presence of smoke and ash in the area, residents are encouraged to wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, close-toed shoes and face masks before entering.
Fridges and freezers cannot be cleaned or moved to the curb at this stage of re-entry. It is hazardous to open them after a significant power outage. A program is in place for once the Evacuation Orders are lifted and garbage can be collected. Leaving garbage out in an evacuated area attracts wildlife.
Power and water have not been returned to some areas and risks due to the wildfire may be present. Residents enter at their own risk. For more information, see the Returning Home Guide
Schedule of temporary access
Due to infrastructure repair work in the area, the upcoming temporary access for Bear Creek Road/Rose Valley North scheduled for Saturday, September 9 is postponed. An update will be provided early next week. Residents who unfortunately missed their temporary access window will not be able to access their properties until Evacuation Orders are downgraded.
Stay informed with potential changes of schedule through the cordemergency.ca and subscribe to receive news and alerts to your email inbox.
For more information, contact the information line at 250-469-8490 (local) or 1-877-569-8490.
For municipal and local government information such as landfill and transfer station hours, water restrictions, boat launch, park and road closures, visit their websites:
