Residents and volunteers sandbag to protect homes from flooding on Falcon Avenue in the Parker Cove neighbourhood northwest of Vernon. (Liam Verster / Vernon Matters photo)

By Pete McIntyre & Liam Verster

Flooding

UPDATE: Residents staying despite evacuation order for Parker Cove flooding

May 2, 2023 | 9:27 AM

UPDATE: 1:00 p.m.

The Okanagan Indian Band is describing the flooding on Whiteman’s Creek as a “once in 200 year event,” given the current water levels and flow.

The band said on its website it continues to closely monitor the creeks on the reserve and mitigate damage to infrastructure and homes.

The band adds residents should be prepared to evacuate as this is a “fast evolving event.”

Several dozen homes in Parker Cove were issued an evacuation order this morning, but many stayed to lay down sandbags and protect their homes.

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UPDATE: 11:00 a.m.

Some residents of Parker Cove, northwest of Vernon, have decided to protect their homes from flooding rather than adhere to an evacuation order issued by the Okanagan Indian Band.

Dawn Taylor, a resident of the impacted area on Falcon Avenue, told Vernon Matters, the water surge started early this morning.

“About 2:30, 3 o’ clock in the morning, the creek breached and it started coming through the greenspace and down the road,” Taylor told reporter Liam Verster.

Taylor said residents are currently sandbagging, trying to divert the water into Okanagan Lake, and keep it out of their homes.

“The water is looking for somewhere to run, so we’re trying to train it to go right to the lake,” she said.

Taylor said many residents have decided to sandbag instead of evacuate at this point, despite the order by the band.

“We’re hoping to get it all sandbagged today but we hear there is rain coming so that could hamper our efforts,” Taylor added.

About 40 homes are covered by the evacuation order.

Original story:

Evacuation order issued due to flooding at Parker Cove

The Okanagan Indian Band has issued an evacuation order due to flooding caused by rising levels of Whiteman’s Creek.

The evacuation order, issued Tuesday morning, is in effect for the following areas:

• Parker Cove residents on the south side of Falcon Avenue adjacent to Whiteman’s Creek.
• Residents # 161-195 Falcon Avenue including 54 and 55.

The band says the order was issued due to immediate danger to life and safety caused by flooding.

“Members of the Okanagan Indian Band, Fire Dept/bylaw and other applicable agencies will be expediting this action,” an OKIB news release on Facebook stated.

High levels on Whiteman’s Creek (photo credit: OKIB)

Impacted residents are advised to leave the area immediately.

Flooding from Whiteman’s Creek on Falcon Avenue in the Parker Cove neighbourhood. (submitted photo)

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

• Follow the travel route provided and register at: #8 Bonneau Road, New Horizons building.

• If you need transportation assistance from the area, advise the person providing this notice or call: (250) 241-5809

• Shut off all gas and electrical appliances, other than refrigerators and freezers.

• Close all windows and doors.

• Close gates (latch) but do not lock.

• Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation. Do not use more vehicles then you have to.

• Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, and keys) only if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.

• Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency service.

Further information will be issued at May 2, 2023 at 1200 hours or visit OKIB Facebook page or OKIB Web page, okib.ca for more information.

Anyone who is able is asked to come out to Parker’s Cove to help with sandbagging.