By Pete McIntyre

Creekside residents should prepare for high water levels

Apr 21, 2020 | 4:08 PM

The City of Vernon is monitoring local creeks which are seeing higher levels and faster flows for the start of the spring snow melt.

“With the recent warm weather and snowmelt, creek levels have started to rise and water is flowing at a faster rate,” said Christy Poirier, manager of communications and grants.

“City crews are removing debris or blockages where necessary to maintain creek flow. Residents are reminded to be cautious around creeks, especially with young children or pets.”

With water levels on the rise, the city is reminding residents near creeks to be prepared with the following information.

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Property owners are responsible for the maintenance of trees on their property.
Property owners are encouraged to keep prunings, clippings and yard waste at least 4m away from creek banks.
Property owners wishing to prune or remove trees that are up to 15m away from the creeks (whether on private property or Crown land) require approval from the B.C. Ministry of Environment to work in or about a stream.
Property owners are responsible for removing fallen trees or branches that are not blocking creek flow.
The City of Vernon is responsible for removing fallen trees or branches in the creek channel that are blocking creek flow.

Bank stabilization

Property owners adjacent to creeks are responsible for providing bank stabilization to protect their property from erosion.
Property owners require approval from the B.C. Ministry of Environment to work in or about a stream.
Property owners are responsible for flood protection on private property, including sandbagging if necessary.
In flooding conditions, the City of Vernon and/or Emergency Management BC shall provide sandbags and sand to assist property owners.

by Pete McIntyre

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