Flood recovery now $3.3M

Photo: Denise Egan

Flood waters at Kinsmen Park in early June.

It turns out earlier estimates of Kelowna's flood recovery costs were a little low.

As it sits, the city will be on the hook for slightly less than $3.3 million of the $10.6 million in damage caused by the spring floods.

Nearly half of the damage was to a flume on Vernon Creek. The city estimates it will cost $5 million to replace the flume.

Another $1.3 million will be needed to repair drainage and channels, while almost $1.2 million is earmarked for repairs to boardwalks, trails and walkways in city parks.

"Included within the recovery program are drainage and channel works that are urgent in nature, and should be completed before the 2018 spring freshet to mitigate the risk of further flooding and additional drainage," said infrastructure director Alan Newcombe in a report for council.

"Included in the drainage works above are approximately $1,030,000 of work in Bellevue Creek and Mill
Creek that is also recommended to be completed before next spring to reduce flood risk."

An additional $532,000 is being set aside for a full-time manager to oversee the recovery program, a financial analyst to track expenses and manage the resulting claims, and an administrative staff position to support the program. Each position would be for two years, with 80 per cent recovery from the Disaster Financial Assistance program.

Staff is suggesting $2.1 million be funded from the General Fund Accumulated Surplus, while the remaining $1.2 million come from the city hall Phase 4 renovations.

The report states 42 of the 60 park sites that front onto, or are in close proximity to Okanagan Lake, suffered some damage due to flood waters and wave action. A number of linear parks near creek corridors were also impacted.