As the water level in Okanagan Lake begins to drop, Summerlanders are preparing to clean up and rebuild following one of the worst flood seasons the community has experienced.
High water in late May and early June destroyed docks, flooded basements and crawlspaces and threatened homes along the water.
The worst of the damage appears to be over, according to Linda Tynan, chief administrative officer for the municipality.
On Friday, the lake level stood at 343.205 metres, considerably higher than normal, but down by two centimetres from the peak level recorded last week.
Mayor Peter Waterman said the community responded well during the flooding.
“It was extremely gratifying to see how everybody pitched in with squads of neighbours helping each other in these very difficult circumstances,” said Waterman, who described this year’s flood conditions as “unprecedented.”
A State of Local Emergency on parts of Trout Creek and the Summerland Yacht Club was lifted.
The initial concern was over underground junction boxes, which the rising water table could have flooded. Power is restored now, but the municipality is monitoring water levels to ensure there is no risk to public safety from the underground connectors.
“Barring an unexpected weather pattern, the worst should be over,” Tynan said. “We will be able to put together a plan for the removal of sandbags so the property owners won’t have to do that themselves.”
The municipality will provide information on the sandbag removal in the coming weeks, but Tynan said the sandbag dikes should remain in place for now.
While the water level remains high, there is concern high winds could still drive destructive wave action.
“At this time, the primary focus should continue to be on the protection of properties from the high water level,” she said. “Sandbags must not be moved until the water levels drop significantly and further direction is provided by the District of Summerland.”
Tynan added that information will be provided on the disposal of sand from sandbags, which cannot be dumped on the beaches because of the risk of contamination.
The municipality’s focus has shifted from an emergency response to a recovery plan, beginning the work of repairing and rebuilding damaged beaches, lakefront parks and municipally-owned docks and piers.
Funding for the repair and rebuilding will be available through the province’s Disaster Assistance Program.
This program also provides assistance for property owners who sustained damage from the flooding.
Information about the program is available online through the province’s website or by calling 1-888-257-4777.
Those affected by the flooding are urged to register with the program and provide details when the total damages are known.