Efforts are underway to ease the flood threat in the Fintry area.
Ministry of Transportation personnel are trying to access the log jam on Shorts Creek and break it up so water can begin flowing again.
“We will see how the work goes on the debris jam,” said Mark Weston, a parks section head with B.C. Parks.
The Shorts Creek culvert under Westside Road is plugged with debris and that has caused extensive flooding in the area.
As a precaution, an evacuation order was issued for Fintry Provincial Park because the only access from the park is across Shorts Creek.
“One residence in the park and some campers have left the area. Emergency Support Services volunteers are assisting these people,” states Central Okanagan Emergency Operations.
Motorists should be prepared for alternating single lane traffic on Westside Road at the North Westside fire hall just south of Shorts Creek as crews clear debris from the creek.
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Campers are being forced out of Fintry Provincial Park.
The Shorts Creek culvert under Westside Road is backed up with a log jam Friday morning.
“We have severe flooding in lower Fintry. The provincial park is currently being evacuated,” said Jason Satterthwaite, North Westside fire chief.
There are about five campers within the park, and authorities are checking any potential risk to residents in the adjacent subdivision on the delta.
“There’s one home flooded — the park house,” said Satterthwaite.
There are some reports of a vehicle trapped with an animal inside.
The blocked culvert by the fire hall on Westside Road is also leading to upper-level flooding.
“There’s about 10 feet of water backing up behind Westside Road,” said Satterthwaite.
Westside Road is currently open but the situation is being monitored.
More details will be posted as they become available.
