Flooding of the green space between Parker Cove residences and Whiteman's Creek on May 2 ( file photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

Flood Update

OKIB preparing to address danger trees, take down sandbags at Parker Cove

May 12, 2023 | 1:40 PM

The Okanagan Indian Band is preparing the next steps of addressing the damage from the Whiteman’s Creek flooding.

The First Nation stated in a release Friday that the Emergency Operations Centre has undertaken some danger tree assessments, where they identified several trees that will need to removed. The stated plan is to address those trees early next week.

The OKIB EOC is also planning for the removal and disposal of the sandbag barriers, though exact timelines for that were not provided.

These plans follow the completion of Rapid Damage Assessments at properties south of Whiteman’s Creek which resulted in Evacuation Orders being lifted for approximately two dozen properties Thursday.

Friday marks the final day of people being able to get their Emergency Support Services extensions done. The ESS Centre is set to close at 2 p.m. Friday and will remain closed over the weekend. ESS operations will resume Tuesday, May 16, and run for two more days before ending Thursday, May 18.

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The OKIB recommends people impacted by the flood and who were being supported by the ESS contact their insurance provider as soon as possible to start an insurance claim and get an alternative lodging option.

The band advises boaters to be very cautious out on the north arm of Okanagan Lake as the flooding has resulted in a large amount of debris flushing out into the lake.

The First Nation also warns people to be cautious around creeks, streams and rivers as fast-flowing water can pose a risk to individuals and their pets.