The Regional District of Central Okanagan has committed to developing an application to fund emergency works along a section of Shorts Creek in the Fintry-Delta of the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area.
The commitment was made following several discussions with Emergency Management BC, various Provincial ministries and a visit to the creek earlier today.
Emergency Management BC has agreed to fund the design of a work plan with the goal of stopping the threat of any serious sudden erosion to the creek bank in the event of further incidents of high water levels and flows in Shorts Creek.
Diverting and redirecting flows in the creek to a safer course will reduce the threats posed to public safety and infrastructure in the area. The Regional Emergency Program is working on completing the design of this work plan along with an application for funding to complete the work.
The funding application will be submitted for consideration of Emergency Management BC over the weekend. It’s hoped the Regional Emergency Program will hear back from the Provincial agency by Monday.
The regional district recognizes the importance of a timely response to this threat, especially with the possibility of further rainfall through the weekend.
The regional board was advised of the threat posed by further immediate erosion (avulsion threat) of Shorts Creek during its meeting on Thursday. A report conducted for the Emergency Program from Urban Systems highlighted concerns that any additional flows and high water levels in the creek could cause problems in the Fintry-Delta area.
Meanwhile, the creek continues to be monitored in the event further action and response is needed by the Emergency Program.
Information on flood preparedness including a recommended method for sandbag diking is available on the Regional Emergency Operation Centre website www.cordemergency.ca and the Emergency Management BC website pep.bc.ca/floods/preparedness.html.
Anyone noticing a potential problem or flooding concern in the Central Okanagan is asked to call the Regional Fire Dispatch at: 250-469-8577. Sandbags are available at local fire halls for any property owner facing imminent danger from flooding.
In the event of an emergency and activation of the Central Okanagan Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), the latest information will be available online at the new EOC Public Information website: www.cordemergency.ca.
