Okanagan Centre Road West, in Lake Country, remains closed after heavy rain caused it to unexpectedly slide on Wednesday, Sept. 11.
According to the District of Lake Country, the slide damaged a 150-metre section of the road as well as a section of a parking area and parkland. Officials believe the slide was caused by a storm drainage issue from Lakestone Beachlands Development.
“It resulted in quite a detour for some people that are used to going down there,” said Lake Country communications officer Karen Miller.
“That area where it is located is not heavily populated, but people do use that road to access Glenmore and now will have to go back towards Camp Road.”
As a result, the road has been closed between Lake Stone Drive and the Okanagan Centre Safe Harbour.
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Matthew Salmon, director of engineering and environmental services, said the district is doing everything they can to resolve the issue.
“The road repair on the southern section is underway now with earthworks scheduled to be completed this week and the asphalt paving as soon as possible,” said Salmon. “The exact timing will be dependent on asphalt contractor availability.”
He said the recent spell of rain has delayed contractors so he could not provide a firm timeline for when the paving will be completed.
The District said it is reviewing the drainage systems in the area and has hired a hydrologist to undertake a holistic review of the entire Lakestone drainage system. The process is expected to take at least two months to complete.
“The reality is that these type of water events are becoming more unpredictable and more extreme,” said Salmon.
“Through our master plans. capital plans and operational programs we are slowly improving our infrastructure to be more resilient to these events, but there will always be an element of residual risk present.”
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daniel.taylor@kelownacapnews.com
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