A note to readers: This information in this article is accurate as of the Times’ press time on Wednesday afternoon. The most up to date information, including any emergent evacuation orders, can be found on our website at boundarycreektimes.com, or on Facebook at Boundary Creek Times. Information is also available through the RDKB at rdkb.com.
As flood conditions continue to worsen in the Boundary, the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary issued a state of local emergency for Area D on Tueday night, and issued evacuation orders for four properties outside of Grand Forks.
Nearly 250 properties including 47 in Beaverdell and Westbridge are under evacuation alert, meaning residents should be prepared to leave at any time. No orders for the West Boundary have yet been issued.
The River Walk trail in Midway is also closed.
Properties under alert
As of Tuesday, affected areas included: 29 properties in the Nursery area, 24 properties in the Darcy area, 65 properties in Johnson Flats, 88 properties in the Edwards-Gilpin area and 91 in Almond Gardens.
Evacuation alerts have also been issued for 47 properties between Westbridge and Beaverdell.
Some properties under alert have not yet flooded, but are on alert because they risk being cut off from overland access.
“It’s imperative that residents take precautions now to protect their homes from flooding. We all have a shared responsibility in rural BC to prepare ourselves for the annual freshet and flooding that goes along with that. Our EOC staff are working closely with all agency and government partners, local elected officials and local residents and volunteers to respond quickly to any emergencies that arise,” said Chris Marsh, EOC Director.
The week ahead
Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) manager Chris Marsh said during a media availability on Tuesday afternoon that staff are actively monitoring flood forecasts and conducting assessments. An evacuation order was issued Tuesday evening for proprties in Grand Forks, and it was probable that more orders would be issued in the days ahead.
An evacuation order is a legal document that would be delivered to affected properties door to door, while alerts have been delivered through media and online. Marsh also said the RDKB is strongly encouraging residents to touch base with neighbours.
Flooding is present in the areas of Beaverdell, Carmi, Westbridge, Rock Creek and Grand Forks, he said. Current forecasts indicate that water levels will continue to rise through to the end of the week, reaching a peak on Thursday or Friday. This will be compounded by expected rain in the coming days.
Levels are expected to meet or exceed last year’s level, according to the predictions.
Water levels are expressed through forecasts as discharge amounts in cubic metres per second, because the impact on the physical landscape changes from area to area (e.g. the water level rising two inches in one place could mean a foot in another).
Residents living in alert areas should think about collecting the five “Ps” in the event they are ordered to leave: people, pets, prescriptions, papers and photos.
Gathering other essential items, moving what stays in your home to a higher location, making arrangements for livestock and arranging accommodations for your family, as well as designating a meeting point are also important.
The EOC is staffed to a Level 2, meaning about 10 people are present and actively working. Should the centre be moved to a Level 3, more partners from the province as well as utility providers would become involved.
Areas of the highway that could be impacted by flooding are being monitored, and the EOC is in close contact with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) as well as Emcon.
Marsh said there were areasof Blythe-Rhone Road in the Westrbidge area wherewater had encroached on the road and residents were advised to use caution.
Marsh said that in the event of an evacuation order being issued, staff would conduct door to door visits.
Evacuation Centres
Evacuation centres will be activated just before evacuation orders are issued. In Grand Forks, this centre will be located at the curling club. Those centres are staffed by Red Cross volunteers and will provide residents with a place to stay as well as information and resources.
Marsh said anyone being evacuated would preferably stay with local friends or family, but the evacuation centre would be available. Even those staying with family or friends should check in with reception at the evacuation centre so they can be accounted for, and for reunification purposes, if required.
RCMP have been involved in the EOC and have been briefed on the situation, Marsh said, and are prepared for an evacuation order. Should residents choose not to leave property, RCMP will make sure they are making that decision “competently, with no mental health issues at play,” he said, as well as consider any children.
RCMP will also be working to ensure the safety of evacuated properties against illegal activities like looting.
Warnings and Information for Homeowners
The RDKB is warning residents to be extremely cautious near water as currents are unpredictable and nearby ground can be unstable.
The Emergency Operations centre can be reached at 250-442-3628 or 1-888-747-9119. The RDKB is advising anyone with flooding issues that affect home or business to call the Provincial Emergency Reporting Line – 1-800-663-3456. All other inquiries should be directed to the RDKB Manager of Emergency Programs at 1-800-355-7352.
Sandbags
Marsh spoke highly of the sanbagging efforts of residents in Westbridge and Beaverdell, calling it an example of the community banding together to help each other.
Greenwood:
City of Greenwood, 250-445-6644
Greenwood Public Works, 315 Fair Avenue
Midway:
Village of Midway, 250-449-2222
Midway Public Works, 500 Central Avenue
Rock Creek:
RDKB, 1-800-355-7352
Rock Creek Petro Canada, 4105 Hwy 3
Westbridge:
Jeff Sarsons, 250-446-2988 or jjsarsons@gmail.com
Westbridge Community Hall, 2935 Highway 33
Beaverdell:
Beaverdell Volunteer Fire Department, 250-801-7194
Behind Beaverdell Fire Hall, 5896 Highway 33
