Seven properties along McDougall Creek in West Kelowna on evacuation alert

2018 Freshet updates

News Release No. 11 West Kelowna, B.C.  Due to a significant increase in McDougall Creek levels and flow, seven properties along Hitchner Road and Jennens Road in West Kelowna have been placed on evacuation alert.

The properties under evacuation alert include:

  • 3974 Hitchner Rd
  • 3982 Hitchner Rd
  • 3990 Hitchner Rd
  • 4010 Hitchner Rd
  • 4030 Hitchner Rd
  • 4040 Hitchner Rd
  • 1860 Jennens Rd

Residents in the area are advised to be ready to leave their home at a moment’s notice. They should be prepared to be away from their home for an extended period of time, make arrangements for pets and pack essential items such as medicines and important documents.

A local State of Emergency has been put in place for West Kelowna to allow crews access to private properties so they can proactively place flood protection measures along creeks. Crews will conduct mitigration and protective work to safeguard public infrastructure that is at risk from the rising creek levels, in turn protecting residents. At this time, crews will begin work along McDougall Creek in the vicinity of Hitchner Rd. A State of Emergency is a measure authorized by the Emergency Program Act.

Emergency Operations Centre staff are working with other response agencies to manage the situation and minimize the impacts, however residents of the area near those on evacuation alert should be prepared to obey an evacuation order, if the situation evolves.

The public is asked to stay clear of the area and out of the water. Debris, culverts and low bridges along the upper portion of Hitchner Rd paired with the high water level makes it unsafe to pass down stream.

Across the Central Okanagan region, the public is asked to use care when walking near creeks. Rising water levels means banks can be slippery and unstable and creeks and streams can rise rapidly. Anyone noticing a non-emergency flooding concern is asked to call their local municipality.

Property owners are responsible for protecting their properties from potential flood damage due to spring run-off from streams and creeks, and ground water (seepage). Equipping yourself with a flood plan and the tools needed in case of a flood can help prepare you.

Self-serve sand and sandbags are available across the Central Okanagan, visit cordemergency.ca/map for a location nearest to you.

For information such as specific flood protection measures being put in place, park and road closures, or water quality advisories, visit your local government website:

Visit cordemergency.ca for the most up-to-date information and resources on how to be prepared and keep your family and property safe. Sign up for e-updates on the cordemergency.ca website to have the latest news delivered to your inbox.