As part of the public safety funding announced in February 2016, the Province is committing $200,000 in funding toward a flood mitigation project in the Central Okanagan that will help protect against flooding in the Lower Mission neighbourhood of Kelowna.

The $300,000 project includes a $100,000 contribution from the Regional District of Central Okanagan and will protect homes, schools, civic infrastructure, and the regional ecosystem found in Woodhaven Nature Conservancy Regional Park.

The district plans to complete an engineering assessment and study leading to the replacement of a deteriorating headwall and intake structure on Bellevue Creek and upgrade approximately 185 metres of aging dike that protects properties in the same area.

In February 2016, the B.C. government announced $65 million to help keep communities safe, including $15 million for public safety preparedness and $50 million for community hazard-mitigation projects, such as upgrades to dikes and flood protection.

Since 2008, the Province has invested in 156 projects worth $145 million total ($62 million provided provincially, $46 million federally, and $37 million in funding from local authorities).

Quotes

Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness, Naomi Yamamoto –

“The B.C. government values the public safety of all British Columbians. The government is investing in flood mitigation projects throughout the province and this $200,000 commitment in Central Okanagan builds on work to safeguard property and lives. We are happy to work collaboratively with the Regional District of Central Okanagan to help limit risk our citizens could be exposed to in the unfortunate event a disaster strikes.”

Minister of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations, Steve Thomson –

“By investing in infrastructure, we are taking steps to keep communities and people safe from flooding, and protecting important ecosystems in our parks. In protecting our homes, schools and other public infrastructure, we are improving on our overall public safety and disaster preparedness.”

Chairman of the Regional District of Central Okanagan, Gail Given –

“This proactive flood prevention project along a critical section of Bellevue Creek will help to protect our recently expanded Woodhaven Nature Conservancy Regional Park and the buildings on the properties as well as the homes and other infrastructure of our downstream neighbours.”

Quick Facts:

• Bellevue Creek drains an area of 80 square kilometres, exiting from a canyon 3.5 kilometres east of Okanagan Lake into the Lower Mission neighbourhood of Kelowna before meeting the lake.
• The last major flooding occurred in 1972, resulting in the construction of the 185-meter-long dike along the north side of the creek which now requires upgrading.
• The project will protect an estimated $350 million in public assets including schools, parks and civic infrastructure, in addition to over 1000 residential properties.

Learn more:

BC Government flood prevention and planning: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/emergency-management-bc/flood-protection-and-planning