Thursday, June 11, 2026
The Province of B.C., along with local governments are ensuring people in Vernon, Penticton and Lumby will be better protected from the effects of floods with the completion of projects that will strengthen that community against flooding.
“When we think of the Okanagan, we have images of clear skies and sunshine, not necessarily floods,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “But flooding can and does affect communities throughout B.C., and its frequency and intensity are increasing due to climate change. That’s why these investments in flood-risk reduction are crucial for people in the Okanagan. These projects are only possible through our close partnerships with the federal government and local communities.”
Recently, Greene visited the completed 43rd Street crossing of Vernon Creek, which is upstream from a wastewater treatment plant now protected from recurring floods. The project included channel widening to increase creek-flow capacity, while strengthening embankments and protecting fish habitats.
The project was funded through the Green Infrastructure stream of the Investing in the ICIP (Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program). The Province provided more than $1.1 million, the federal government committed more than $1.3 million and the City of Vernon contributed almost $885,000.
In Penticton, the Ellis 4 Dam has been upgraded to meet provincial dam-safety regulations and reduce the risk of failure due to natural disasters and extreme weather.
The Ellis 4 Dam was built in 1930 to provide irrigation for agricultural properties. It also helps control the flow of water into Ellis Creek during peak runoff periods, while ensuring there is enough water during dry summer months to support aquatic life and irrigation.
The Province provided more than $3.2 million from the Green Infrastructure steam of the ICIP, the federal government contributed nearly $3.9 million and the City of Penticton provided $11.9 million.
In Lumby, construction will begin this summer on a project to create a 430-metre setback dike on the bank of Duteau Creek, and a 500-metre setback dike on the bank of Bessette Creek, providing nearly one kilometre of protection in areas of Lumby that are prone to flooding.
The Province provided nearly $2.9 million through the Green Infrastructure stream of ICIP, the federal government committed more than $2.3 million and the Village of Lumby contributed almost $580,000.
Another project in Lumby will add bank armouring along Bessette Creek and preliminary design work for a dike along Shields Avenue. For this project, the Province is investing more than $1.7 million from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.
Since 2017, the Province has provided more than $580 million for approximately 2,940 disaster-preparedness and mitigation projects administered through the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.
This includes approximately $350 million provided to First Nations and local governments for more than 2,700 projects through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.
The Province also established the Disaster Resilience and Innovation Funding program to help First Nations and local governments strengthen defences against natural and climate-caused hazards. To date, approximately $45 million has been committed for 67 ongoing projects throughout B.C.
Featured image: (BC Government)
