Localized Flooding Prompts Responses News Release 4

Kelowna, B.C.  –   An Evacuation Alert has been put in place affecting approximately 90 properties in  the Fintry Delta area, just south of Fintry Provincial Park.  Properties that are affected by the Alert include those in the delta accessed by Fintry Delta Road, Morden Road and Shorts Road.

Residents in this area should be prepared to leave their homes on short notice should conditions along Short’s Creek worsen.  They may also wish to take steps to protect their properties from potential flooding.

The Evacuation Order issued earlier today for Fintry Provincial Park remains in effect.

Local government works and emergency personnel continue to assess and respond to reports of localized flooding throughout the Cities of Kelowna, West Kelowna, the Ellison area and those in Fintry off Westside Road.

Sandbags are available at local firehalls for residents concerned about protecting their property from flooding.  Property owners are responsible for taking steps and having the necessary equipment to protect their properties from flooding.

Sand is available for City of Kelowna residents at 1948 Lindahl Street, the corner of Richter Street and Rowcliffe Avenue and to the Cook Street boat launch for residents who need to fill sand bags to protect their property from flooding.

Sand and bags are also available for West Kelowna residents at Falcon Park on Green Bay Road, Casa Loma Beach Park on Casa Loma Road and Pebble Beach Park at the end of Whitworth Road.  If more sand and bags are required please call the City’s Parks Department at 778-797-8849.

North Westside residents may fill sandbags at the main firehall in Killiney Beach.  Sand is available for Joe Rich residents at the Joe Rich Fire Rescue hall at 11481 Highway 33.

A number of roads in the Central Okanagan have been affected by flooding.   In the District of Lake Country, a portion of Beaver Lake Road is closed.   In the City of Kelowna Bulman Road remains closed from Shadow Ridge golf course to Heron Road.   In the City of West Kelowna, Gellatly Road is closed from the Canyon Ridge subdivision to the intersection with Boucherie Road due to flooding of Powers and Smith Creeks.  And Westside Road has single lane alternating traffic near the North Westside Firehall at Short’s Creek as debris is being cleared from the creek.  

Approximately 6,000 BC Hydro customers in West Kelowna may experience temporary power outages as crews repair and replace damaged infrastructure.    For the latest information please visit the BC Hydro website http://www.bchydro.com/safety-outages/power-outages.html

An Emergency Operations Centre has been activated to support emergency personnel and local government staff as they respond to various reports of flooding and high water levels in creeks and streams throughout the Central Okanagan.

Creeks and streams are continuing to rise and see increased flows, residents are advised to use extra care and attention around local creeks.  Hikers and walkers should be aware that fast moving water may cause some creek bank erosion and creek bank edges may not be stable. Anyone wishing to canoe or raft should check their route from land before setting out to ensure debris is not caught near culverts or under bridges.

Boaters are encouraged to keep their boat speed down to prevent shoreline erosion and to watch for any floating debris that may be deposited in area lakes from fast flowing tributaries.

Crews will continue to monitor trouble spots clearing culverts, beaver dams and other blockages that could lead to flooding.   Anyone noticing a potential problem or a flooding concern is asked to call the Kelowna Fire Department at 250-469-8801.

For up to date information on the situation including a map and to sign up for e-updates, visit www.cordemergency.ca.

Information will also be provided via the twitter.com/CO_Emerg and facebook.com/CORDemergency.

For more information contact the Information Office at 250-469-8490 or 1-877-569-8490 (toll-free).