Residents and businesses in the Okanagan can expect better protection from floods and other climate-related risks through infrastructure projects supported by the provincial, federal and local governments.
In Penticton, the Ellis 4 Dam has been upgraded to meet provincial dam safety regulations and reduce the risk of failure due to natural disasters and extreme weather.
The dam was built in 1930 to provide irrigation for agricultural properties. It also helps control the flow of water into Ellis Creek during peak runoff periods while ensuring there is enough water during dry summer months to support aquatic life and irrigation.
The province provided more than $3.2 million through the Green Infrastructure stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), the federal government contributed nearly $3.9 million and the City of Penticton provided $11.9 million.
Kelly Greene, minister of emergency management and climate readiness, said it is not common to connect flooding with the Okanagan.
“We have images of clear skies and sunshine, not necessarily floods,” she said. “But flooding can and does affect communities throughout B.C., and its frequency and intensity are increasing due to climate change.”
Greene visited the completed 43rd Street crossing of Vernon Creek on June 9. The crossing is upstream from a wastewater treatment plant that is now protected from recurring floods.
The project included widening the channel to increase the creek’s flow capacity, while strengthening embankments and protecting fish habitat. The project was funded through the Green Infrastructure stream of ICIP.
Officials said the province provided more than $1.1 million, the federal government committed more than $1.3 million and the City of Vernon contributed almost $885,000.
Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming said protecting the community from flooding is a key focus for the city.
“The improvements to Vernon Creek strengthen our resilience to extreme weather, help safeguard critical infrastructure, support the health of local ecosystems, and improve pedestrian and vehicle access,” he said. “We are grateful for the strong partnership with the Province and the federal government that made this important project possible and for the continued investment in keeping our residents, businesses and natural environment safe, while improving the quality of life in Vernon.”
In Lumby, construction will begin this summer on a project to create a 430-metre setback dike on the bank of Duteau Creek and a 500-metre setback dike on the bank of Bessette Creek. The province said the project will provide nearly one kilometre of protection in areas of Lumby that are prone to flooding.
The province provided nearly $2.9 million through the Green Infrastructure stream of ICIP, the federal government committed more than $2.3 million and the Village of Lumby contributed almost $580,000.
Another project in Lumby will add bank armouring along Bessette Creek and diking along Shields Avenue. For this project, the province is investing more than $1.7 million from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.
Kevin Acton, mayor of Lumby, also expressed his gratitude.
“Stabilizing our creek and protecting our critical infrastructure and downstream core from flooding or becoming orphaned from our emergency services during a flood is imperative.”
Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Lumby, said the projects will mark an important step in protecting the community from extreme weather.
“By strengthening infrastructure and reducing risk, we’re helping ensure people, homes and businesses in the Okanagan are better prepared for any future challenges,” she said.
Residents interested in learning more about the Disaster Resilience and Innovation Funding program can visit the B.C. government website.
