Kelowna ends local state of emergency

The state of local emergency declared by Kelowna two weeks ago in response to flooding along Mission Creek, Scotty Creek and the upper parts of Mill Creek, has come to an end.

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations says the declaration expired at 12:01 a.m.

The agency says mountain snow packs have continued to melt over the last two weeks, and while creek levels have dropped, extreme rain events could cause creeks to rise again.

As of this morning, Okanagan Lake is at 342.62 metres, or 14 cm above full pool. Other lakes in the region such as Ellison and Kalamalka also remain above full pool.

With the long weekend approaching, boaters are encouraged to keep their distance from the shoreline and keep speeds low to reduce potential shoreline erosion by wakes and waves.

Until water levels recede, residents are asked to leave debris that’s washed up along the waterfront in place to protect against erosion.

Residents with sandbags on private property may wish to keep these protections in place until the potential threat of flooding passes. Those wanting to remove sandbags should be aware that if they have been sitting in water, they can contain mould. Residents should wear N95 respirators, nitrile gloves and rubber boots and thoroughly wash their 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.