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Anxiety flows with floods

20th Street resident among those impacted by flood waters
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Ted Walker has an entire community looking after him.

Walker and his wife had a sleepless night Thursday as flood water began flowing into their 20th Street property, and multiple pumps were trying to protect the basement.

“The community rallied around us, complete strangers came to help us sandbag and drop off food,” said Matti Walker, Ted’s daughter.

Sandbags and five concrete blocks from Rocky Mountain Transport are keeping the water from hitting their house.

Flooding continues to be a concern throughout Vernon, particularly with unsettled weather conditions forecast.

“Property owners should keep any sandbags in place at least throughout the weekend,” said Tanya Laing Gahr, the City of Vernon’s communications officer.

Flood watch also continues in Lumby.

“Forecasts can change so we still need to be prepared,” said Tom Kadla, the village’s chief administrative officer.

By Friday morning, rain had led water in Lumby to increase 200 millimetres.

“It was better than what we expected but it’s still not good,” said Kadla.

And many residents are on edge continually watching the skies nervously. Help is also still needed for sandbagging in Lumby, and other areas.

In Enderby, a mandatory conservation advisory was lifted after a temporary water line was initiated.

“Businesses and residents can resume their normal water usage,” said Tate Bengtson, chief administrative officer.

The boil water advisory remains in place, but it could be lifted mid-week once bacteria testing is done.

Flooding has also created a challenge at the Spallumcheen Golf and Country Club.

“The worst may be over. The water is coming down,” said Myles Johnson, Spall’s head professional.

As of Friday, only 10 holes on the championship course were open, and they were proving popular.

“They are in great shape and the conditions (for the holes) are awesome,” said Johnson.

And even as new flooding poses a risk, efforts are underway to clean up nine units at Armstrong’s Pioneer Square. The seniors residence was hit by flooding May 5.

“Everything (in the units) is gone. We were lucky to save her clothes,” said Chris Smallwood, whose mother, Elnora Massingberd, was one of the residents displaced by the flood waters.

All of the residents displaced have been found new accommodation, while repairs could take five months.

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Homes on Willowdale Drive and Patterson Avenue in Armstrong have suffered extensive flood damage. (Chris Smallwood photo)