Skip to content

Keremeos seeks evacuation preparedness funding

The village is applying to UBCM for evacuation planning funding
14469013_web1_180509-BPD-hedley
File photo In May, flooding from 200 per cent average snow pack caused the Similkameen River and mountain creeks to rise forcing the closure of Highway 3 between Keremeos and Hedley to close for several days.

Following 2018’s threatening flooding and fire season, the village is hoping to be successful in a grant application to devise a comprehensive evacuation plan.

On Monday night, Keremeos council voted in favour of supporting a $25,000 grant application to the Union of BC Municipalities Community Preparedness Funding program.

“The 2018 flooding and wildfire seasons highlighted the need for additional emergency planning for Keremeos including a more robust and detailed plan for evacuation, should it be necessary. Because of Keremeos’ location and geography, unique challenges exist if prospective evacuation routes are also compromised,” a report to council stated. “For instance, just this year Highway 3A was closed due to a landslide, Highway 3 west was closed due to flooding and Highway 3 east was closed due to wildfire.”

If successful the terms of the grant is that it’s 100 per cent funded, up to $25,000.

To report a typo, email:
editor@keremeosreview.com
.


@TaraBowieBC
editor@keremeosreview.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.