Demobilizing from flood

Demobilization of flood protection in the Central Okanagan will continue for another month.

That's the latest word from the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre.

At a news conference Wednesday, it was revealed the second stage of flood barrier removal will stretch into August.

The first stage began last week with the removal of some of the two million sandbags and five kilometres of bladder dams from lakeshore areas no longer at risk.

Property owners with sandbag walls can begin lowering them, however, they should remain at a height of 60 centimetres above the current level of the lake to protect against wind and wave action.

While some beaches have already been opened for public use, most are expected to reopen once Okanagan Lake reaches a level of 342.60 metres above sea level. At that point, most docks should also be above water.

Once the lake reaches its normal full pool of 342.48 metres above sea level, all beaches will reopen and boating activity will return to normal.

Both Okanagan and Kalamalka lakes remain about 47 cm above full pool.

While the province is picking up the tab for removal of unnatural debris, such as broken docks, unregistered boats, garbage and barrels from public lands, small debris on private property is the responsibility of the resident.

Damaged docks and pilings are also the responsibility of property owners.

For those residents removing sandbags no longer needed for flood protection, they can be left at the roadside for collection. Under no circumstances should they be emptied into any waterway, beach or other natural area.