Federal and provincial funding to replace aging infrastructure in Summerland will mitigate issues of flooding for some residents.
“This project may not make headlines, but will reduce the flood threat in Summerland and help to prevent costly flood related damage,” said Penticton MLA Bill Barisoff.
The District of Summerland received $501,966 for the Prairie Creek Stormwater Diversion Works and the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen received $91,000 for Eastgate Flood Protection Phase 2.
“We are extremely pleased to receive this funding. The Prairie Creek Diversion Project will not only replace a section of aging infrastructure, it will also significantly reduce groundwater and flooding issues that have plagued neighbouring properties for decades,” said Summerland Mayor Janice Perrino.
Don Darling, Summerland director of engineering and public works said he hopes work on the estimated $750,000 project will begin sometime this year. He said the existing drainage corridor has caused saturated yards and could create foundation problems. The plan is to run a 900 diametre pipe from Giants Head School, down Prairie Valley Road, to Brown Street and go into Prairie Creek.
“We will bypass all the homes that have been affected, that is not necessarily saying we will abandon all that line, but use of the existing line will be at a minimum. It should reduce the problems we have now. It should dry out the private properties and divert the creek so they wont have an ongoing issue” said Darling.
Funding for 22 flood mitigation projects in 20 communities was announced on Jan. 24 to help communities address existing flood concerns and take proactive steps toward preventing flooding emergencies.
“This investment will help avoid the need for costly clean up and reconstruction work down the road and will also minimize the risk to public safety,” said Okanagan Coquihalla MP Dan Albas.
Flood protection projects were selected based on local government or dike authority applications that offered cost-effective solutions for areas at risk. Federal and provincial governments provide up to two-thirds of the funding for eligible projects costs, with local governments and diking authorities covering the remainder of project funding.
