State of local emergency declared for Lake Country

A state of local emergency has been declared city wide for Lake Country as a precautionary measure.

The declaration has been made in response to potential high lake levels, stream flows on local creeks and high ground water levels.

“The state of emergency is a proactive approach that provides crews access to specific private properties in order to protect public infrastructure,” says the Central Okanagan’s Emergency Operations Centre.

Property owners near lakefronts, creeks and streams, especially those who may have experienced flooding in the past, are being asked to proactively prepare.

Citizens living near lakes, creeks and streams are encouraged to:

• Inspect their properties and adjacent culverts/drainage.
• If it is safe to do so, on private property only, take action to clear debris to ensure it will not impede water flow or redirect water to cause flooding on other properties.
• Before doing any work in and around water courses or sensitive areas, check with FLNRO (via FrontCounterBC), as special authorization or permits may be needed.
• Have an emergency plan as well as the tools and equipment necessary to protect your private property from possible flood damage.
• Report any issues with public infrastructure to the Roads department at 250-766-5650.
• For emergency response call 9-1-1.

Flood prevention and mitigation efforts are underway throughout the region as officials continue to monitor lake levels, roads, culverts, weather, creeks and streams.

A self-serve sandbag filling station has been set up in Lake Country in the southwest parking lot at Beasley Park at 3450 Woodsdale Road.

Local states of emergency are also currently in place for Kelowna, Peachland and West Kelowna.