City of Kelowna crews are preparing for possible spring flooding as the snowpack melts, and the forecast calls for more rain this week.
Infrastructure Director Alan Newcombe says while water levels in the creeks are not a concern yet, crews are out doing extensive mapping and mitigation work. He says in the days and weeks ahead, the city will make sure residents are well informed, and if needed, provide resources like sandbags. Private property owners are reminded they're responsible for flood-proofing their properties, and anyone who's experienced wet basements or seepage in the past, should prepare accordingly.
City Project Manager Fred Schaad says restoring creek channel capacity is the priority right now in anticipation of the snowpack melt. He says crews have been out working to remove vegetation, debris, and damage as a result of last year's flood. Channel restoration along Bellevue Creek in the Mission, damaged during the record 2017 flood, is scheduled to begin today (March 26) with an anticipated completion date of Monday, April 9th.
Shaad says "there is an increased risk of flooding there if the accumulated gravel on the creek bed is not removed before the 2018 freshet. The City has secured the necessary approvals from the government to allow it to restore the channel's capacity to handle the flow of water to what it was before the flooding last May." He says crews will also install rock armoring at several locations upstream that were damaged during last year’s flood.
Meanwhile, work that started in January on Upper Vernon Creek is now in the wrap-up phase – and crews continue to work on Maude Roxby boardwalk, off Frances Street, to repair decking and railings and some damaged pilings. Repairs are also planned for parks and public spaces with damaged walkway pavers, picnic tables, signs and wheelchair ramps. Residents are also reminded they need permits from Kelowna's Development Services branch before they reconstruct docks or place any structures across public property.