Flood prep on Gellatly Rd

Flood preparations are underway in earnest in West Kelowna.

The city has begun installing bladder dams along the west side of Gellatly Road, between the Cove Lakeside Resort and the bridge crossing Powers Creek.

The bladder dam is a temporary measure, but will remain in place until the threat of creek flooding has passed.

Powers Creek has a history of flooding in that area. It was one of the first areas hit during last spring's floods.

Gellatly Road will remain open during installation, however, motorists may experience some delays. It's expected to take about two days to install the dam.

The city says the measure is one of several in place along Gellatly Road.

Rotary Trails Park is closed, and has been set up as a staging area for creek flood response equipment.

With conditions expected to be similar to last year, and record snowpacks on surrounding mountains, West Kelowna is monitoring the flood threat constantly.

Homeowners living along creeks can pick up sand and sandbags from the following locations:

• Kinsmen Works Yard – 3170 Shannon Lake Road
• Across the street from the Glenrosa Fire Station on Gates Road
• Across the street from the Rose Valley Fire Station on Westlake Road
• 4081 Hitchner Road – road end
• Kinsmen Works Yard driveway
• West Kelowna Yacht Club – 4111 Gellatly Road

Lakefront property owners are not being advised to put protective measures in place on their properties at this time.