West Kelowna rescinds State of Local Emergency
News Release No. 44 Central Okanagan, B.C. — The State of Local Emergency for West Kelowna has been rescinded due to a reduction in the threat of flooding.
States of Local Emergency remain in effect for the Regional District of Central Okanagan and for the City of Kelowna, although the latter will expire tonight at midnight.
As of this morning, Okanagan Lake is at 342.58 metres. The Emergency Operations Centre has demobilized most of its flood protection measures, though some will remain in place until the lake drops closer to the full pool level of 342.48 m. These measures include log booms installed offshore near Swim Bay in Peachland and Maude-Roxby Bird Sanctuary in Kelowna.
The Emergency Operations Centre is also advising residents to consider demobilizing flood protection measures installed on their private property.
Residents who have sandbags on their properties can return them to authorized locations as found at www.cordemergency.ca/map. Sandbags will be accepted until the end of Thursday, June 28.
Sandbags should be returned with the sand still in the bags.
Residents dealing with sandbags on private property should take precautions when working around stagnant water as sandbags that have been sitting in water can contain mould. Residents should wear N95 respirators, nitrile gloves and rubber boots and thoroughly wash hands and clothes after handling the bags.
Under no circumstances should sandbags be emptied into creeks, lakes, wetland, beaches or other watercourses as outlined in the Water Sustainability Act. The impact can destroy fish habitat and affect drinking water supply, infrastructure, flood control, navigation and recreational activities. It is also illegal.
Because Okanagan Lake is still above full pool, boaters are encouraged to keep their distance from the shoreline and keep speeds down to reduce potential shoreline erosion by wakes and waves.
For more information, visit www.cordemergency.ca, sign up for e-updates, or call the information line at 250-469-8490.
For municipal information such as boat launch, park and beach closures, and water quality advisories, visit their websites:
