Hefty toll for flood damage

Photo: Bernadette Jarrard

The major repairs in Summerland from last spring's high-water damage are expected to cost $680,000.

The district's director of works and utilities Kris Johnson compiled a list of 10 projects that are recommended.

The highest-priority project — and most expensive — is long-term repairs for erosion along the shoulder of Lakeshore Drive North, which is anticipated to cost $360,000.

Safety concerns were addressed in the fall by re-establishing the road's shoulder and replacing concrete road barriers.

Johnson said in his report those efforts will extend the life of temporary measures that were implemented during last spring's flooding, allowing staff to assess a long-term solution this year.

Two public docks at Rotary Beach Park that need new decking will cost $120,000, and potentially more if engineers determine new piles need to be installed. Staff is recommending that project be done as soon as possible this year.

The third-largest priority is repairing several linear asphalt pathways — including pathways at Powell Beach, Rotary Beach Park and other locations. That work is expected to cost $200,000 and should be done by summer.

The District will cover the costs up front for those major projects, and staff is hoping the province will cover $435,000 — which would leave taxpayers on the hook for $245,000. 

No cost estimates were provided on the remaining seven projects, but Johnson said they aren't anticipated to be nearly as costly.

Mayor and council will hear the update on the damage assessment and recovery plans during Monday night's meeting.

Last fall, repair costs in Penticton along the Okanagan Lake waterfront were pegged at about $620,000.