Central Okanagan

Photo: Contributed Water gushes down Shorts Creek

The Regional District of Central Okanagan is moving quickly to coordinate a plan to construct emergency works along a section of Shorts Creek.

Emergency Management BC today (Monday) approved a funding application that was submitted by the Regional District Emergency Program over the weekend to construct a bypass channel in the creek, located in the Fintry Delta subdivision of the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area. 

This would restore creek flow within the original channel along the north side of the creek.

The goal of this emergency work is to stop the threat of any serious sudden erosion (avulsion threat) that could occur from elevated flows in Shorts Creek. 

During three separate significant rainfalls over the past three months, the creek bank has sustained serious erosion and any further heavy rainfall could result in the creek bursting its bank. 

Diverting and redirecting flows in the creek to a safer northern channel will reduce the threats posed to public safety and infrastructure in the area.

Design of the work and creek surveying is underway and it's hoped construction of the new bypass channel in the creek can be started this week. 

Until this project is complete, officials continue to monitor the creek in case further action and response is needed by the Regional Emergency Program.

The Regional District says it is grateful to Emergency Management BC and various Provincial ministries for their cooperation and quick consideration of its application for this emergency work.

Last week, the Regional Board was told of the threat posed by any further catastrophic erosion of Shorts Creek. 

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 flooding problems in the Fintry-Delta area.

Information on flood preparedness including a recommended method for sandbag diking is available on the Regional Emergency Operation Centre website http://www.cordemergency.ca and the Emergency Management BC website: www.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.