The City of Vernon is now proceeding with phase three of the sand bag disposal assistance program.
Property owners on Lakeshore Drive are encouraged to leave flood protection in place to a minimum of two feet above lake level to protect from wave action.
Residents who are required to dispose of more than 400 sand bags from their properties can call city operations at 250-549-6757 during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) to request assistance. City staff will review the request and if approved, City contractors will be providing large collection bins to individual properties to assist with the removal process. Property owners are required to load the bins.
Due to the limitations of the number of bins available, collection will be completed in phases as follows:
Phase one: Properties within the City of Vernon adjacent to BX Creek – Until Aug. 6
Phase two: Properties adjacent to Vernon Creek – Until Aug. 10
Phase three: Properties on Lakeshore Drive – Until Aug. 17
Phase four: Properties on Tronson and Eastside roads – Timing to be announced
In most instances, sand used for flood protection in the City of Vernon can be treated as clean soil and used as general fill, substitute aggregate in construction applications or blended into gardens and lawns.
“Under no circumstances should sandbags be emptied on beaches or into any creeks, wetland, beaches or other watercourses as outlined in the Water Sustainability Act,” said Tanya Laing Gahr, with the city.
“The impact can destroy fish habitat and affect drinking water, infrastructure, flood control, navigation and recreational activities.”
Sand bags can also be dropped off free of charge at the following locations as long as they are not mixed with any other substance, wood debris, garbage or recycling materials:
• All landfills
• The sand bag fill site located outside operations yard off Pleasant Valley Road
• The sand bag fill site located at corner of Okanagan Avenue and Okanagan Landing Road
