Still counting flood repairs

Photo: Bernadette Jarrard

The District of Summerland still has significant work to do to clean up after the high level of Okanagan Lake this spring, council heard Monday.

A provincially-funded consultant was hired during flood response to complete a damage assessment and identify hazards and impacts to municipal infrastructure.

That assessment was presented to council Monday, outlining damage along the waterfront. Picnic tables and benches need resetting, fences need fixing, erosion and docks need repair and more. The assessment does not include any cost estimates.

“Initially the damage assessment falls under the response piece, so it’s 100 per cent covered,” said Kris Johnson, director of works and utilities. “As for the recovery piece it would typically be 80 per cent covered.”

Any trees damaged along the shoreline will not be covered by the province, with the cost to replace them falling 100 per cent on the district.

Engineers are currently in the process of reviewing municipal documents such as pre-flood photos and engineering reports. It could take up to three months for the District of Summerland to receive funding from the province to repair the damage caused by the flood, after the municipality submits its wish-list.

The district can fund repairs in the meantime and be reimbursed, but regardless, repairs are not expected to begin for months, with recovery timelines stretching into May.

The total dollar figure for the repairs is still to be determined.

In Penticton, the high water ended up causing at least $620,000 in damage — although the province is paying for at least half.