Central Okanagan

Photo: Contributed - RDCO Map of properties on alert

Update Monday, June 25. 12:35 p.m. - A local State of Emergency continues for a property in the 11200 block of Highway 33 in order to protect Mission Creek from the environmental hazards posed by structures on the property in the Joe Rich area. 

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Update: The Regional District of Central Okanagan declared a Local State of Emergency in order to protect the environment of Mission Creek in the Joe Rich area of the Central Okanagan East Electoral Area.

The declaration allows the Regional District to access a property in the 11200 Block of Highway 33, near Mission Creek and the Three Forks Bridge crossing the creek, in order to conduct a professional engineering assessment and take appropriate actions related to outbuildings and structures on the property. 

With high creek flows and levels of the creek there is an imminent risk to public health and safety and the environment of the creek.

In addition, the professional assessments will also include recommendations for actions to eliminate any threat posed by logjams in the creek in this area.

An Evacuation Alert remains in effect for 14 properties in the eastern portion of Joe Rich near Mission Creek as the potential remains for possible flooding.

Weather and creek conditions are being monitored by Joe Rich Fire Rescue and the Regional Emergency Program after as much as 40 mm of rain fell in the area Saturday.  The status of the alert will be evaluated over the next few days and will be affected by any changes in both the creek levels and weather.

Overnight, some basement flooding was reported in one home in the evacuation area after a logjam developed in the creek.  The logjam was removed from the creek protecting properties from more serious flooding.

Property owners in the evacuation alert area should remain alert to changing water conditions and are encouraged to take appropriate precautions to protect their properties and structures from possible flood damage in the event that conditions rapidly change.

Photo: Contributed - Tara Shoemaker

Flood alert

All people should stay well back and away from the banks of Mission Creek due to the high flows and the potential for sloughing, bank erosion and slippery creek banks.

Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to any evacuation order that might be necessary. However, due to changing conditions there may be limited notice provided to residents.

The BC River Forecast Centre has a High Streamflow Advisory in place for the Okanagan.  

While the level and flow of Mission Creek has dropped Sunday from a near record level peak of almost 100 cubic meters per second, a one in 50 year event, conditions over the next few days are very weather dependant and are being carefully monitored.

Other activities yesterday included removal of several trees along Middle Vernon Creek to prevent a potential flood blockage that could have affected nine homes.

Three trees are being removed in the Balldock/Jaud Road area near Priest Creek in East Kelowna that were in danger of eroding and potentially damaging a mobile home that was voluntarily evacuated Saturday.

Sandbags are available for those facing imminent threat at the Joe Rich Fire Hall 11481 Highway 33 east and other local fire halls in the Central Okanagan.

If you notice flooding in your area, please contact the Regional Fire Dispatch at 250-469-8577.

Information and pamphlets on flood preparedness including a recommended method for sandbag diking are available from the Regional District of Central Okanagan office at 1450 KLO Road, the main City of Kelowna fire hall on Enterprise Way, the Regional District Emergency Operation Centre website and the Regional District Emergency Program's webpage.

The following properties are on Evacuation Alert as of 12:40 a.m., June 24 in order that owners can prepare their premises or properties and family should the creek flow increase and threaten homes and structures on their properties.

• 11250 Highway 33 East
• 11490 Highway 33 East
• 11481 Three Forks Road
• 11600 Greystokes Road
• 11700 Greystokes Road
• 11800 Greystokes Road
• 11900 Greystokes Road
• 11505 Greystokes Road
• 12025 Greystokes Road
• 12310 Greystokes Road
• 12326 Greystokes Road
• 12342 Greystokes Road
• 12458 Greystokes Road
• 12474 Greystokes Road