Kamloops prepares as the Thompson River rises

KAMLOOPS – The city is getting ready as the Thompson River continues to rise from the spring freshet.

Earlier today, May 16, the city closed the trail between Riverside Park and Pioneer Park.

Crews are closing the pier at Riverside Park tomorrow, which includes turning off the pathway lighting from the Riverside Park pier to the Sandman Centre, according to a media release. They will also begin covering catch basins in low lying areas with large flood protection bags to prevent the overflowing waters to back up into roadways.

“The city continues to monitor river flows and modelling information from the B.C. River Forecast Centre and expects the river levels to moderately increase over the long weekend,” utility services manager Greg Wightman says in the release.

Boat launches will still be open for the May long weekend but boaters are asked to use extreme caution as there is large amounts of debris in the water, the city says. Boaters are also asked to limit their speed and avoid making large wakes that could contribute to bank erosion.

Drivers are asked proceed cautiously around the area as the flood protection bags are often put within driving lanes.

Those living in low-lying areas are also asked to protect their properties. Residents requiring sand and sandbags can get them at fire stations throughout the city.

For more information on where to get sandbags and sand click here.

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