The Ellis 4 Dam in Penticton (image courtesy of the City of Penticton / website)

By Liam Verster

Infrastructure Upgrades

Okanagan dam to get upgrade as part of disaster mitigation investment

Apr 15, 2024 | 12:42 PM

Funding from three levels of government will improve the infrastructure of a dam in the Okanagan.

The Ellis #4 dam in Penticton will be upgraded to restore the existing infrastructure and reduce the risk of failure due to climate change impacts, natural disasters and extreme weather events.

The nearly $9.72-million upgrade will be funded through a joint investment of the City of Penticton, the B.C. government, and the federal government.

“These type of partnerships are essential for major infrastructure projects like the upgrades to the Ellis 4 dam to occur,” Julius Bloomfield, Mayor of Penticton, said.

“This work will allow us to better mitigate against potential flood risks and, ultimately, with all levels of government working together, we are building stronger, safer and more sustainable communities.”

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The city will provide over $2.59-million for the project, with the province chipping in nearly $3.24-million and the feds adding another $3.89-million.

“The impacts of the climate crisis are being felt by British Columbians year-round now, whether it’s severe flooding, extreme heat, or ongoing drought,” Bowinn Ma, B.C.’s minister of emergency management and climate readiness, stated.

“We’re working together with all levels of government to better prepare for our changing climate and to protect people and infrastructure for years to come.”

The investment into the dam upgrades in Penticton were part of a $10.4-million contribution from the federal government through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to support five disaster mitigation projects across B.C. The province also invested $8.6-million into these projects, while the municipalities added a combined $6.9-million for the work in their communities.

“Now more than ever, Canadians are seeing the devastating effects of climate-related events and extreme weather in our communities,” Canada’s Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser said.

“Investing in projects such as these is essential to safeguarding our communities and protecting them from the impacts of environmental changes. We remain committed to working with our partners to build a safer, more resilient future for all.”

The other projects supported through the investments were:

• Coldwater River Flood Mitigation for the Pine Street Area in the City of Merritt:a total investment of nearly $5.8-million
• Well #4 upgrades for climate change in the Town of Princeton: a total investment of almost $6.5-million
• Toby Creek Dike Improvements in the District of Invermere: a total investment of roughly $2.2-million
• Beach Creek culvert replacement at Crescent Road East in the Town of Qualicum Beach: a total investment of almost $1.9-million