The City of Enderby hopes to tap into provincial and federal grant funding to help mitigate flooding issues.
Enderby has filed an expression of interest to the flood protection program intake for 2013. If successful, the city’s application will be shortlisted for provincial and federal funding.
“Staff recommends that the city apply to upgrade the pumping capabilities at the lift station on Regent (Avenue),” wrote Tate Bengtson, the city’s deputy chief administrative officer in a report to council. “This station is critical to the city’s drainage system.”
During high water, wrote Bengtson, the Shuswap River rises above the lift station’s discharge pipe and requires pumping.
If a major storm event hits the community during this time, enhanced pumping capacity is crucial to prevent flooding associated with surcharging and overland flow of storm water.
The city was hit by a major storm and flooding in the summer of 2012, and in its application, the city pointed out that there has been flooding in the area at least two times per season the past two years.
“We need more capacity,” said Enderby Mayor Howie Cyr. “I hope we’re successful with our application.”
The city has applied for $1 million in funding over two years for the project, including $700,000 for 2014-15 and $300,000 for 2015-16.
Cyr said the city has been keeping a close eye on water levels this week with all of the rain that has fallen.
“It’s typical spring high water,” said Cyr of the Shuswap River. “It doesn’t look particularly frightening right now, but we’re watching it.”
