UPDATE: Work begins to stabilize rockslide threat at Penticton mobile home park

A geotechnical assessment of an unstable slope threatening a Penticton mobile home park has been completed and work to stabilize the slope is underway.

The City of Penticton has declared a local State of Emergency due to the potential threat from unstable rock above Pleasant Valley Mobile Home Park on Penticton Avenue.

The city ordered the evacuation of 25 homes yesterday, Nov. 21, and that order remains in effect today. The impacted homes are in the northwest corner of the mobile home park. 

READ MORE: City evacuates 24 homes at Penticton mobile home park due to potential rockslide

“With the assessment complete, we’re now able to begin the steps towards stabilizing the site and ensuring residents are safe in their homes,” Emergency Operations Centre director Kristen Dixon said in a media release.

“We want to resolve this expediently and with as little disruption as possible but the safety of the residents, their homes and crews comes first.”

Crews are raising the height of a retaining wall already in place to stop falling rock. Once that work is complete, the city will start work on a plan to deal with the unstable rock.

“Our hope is that once the wall is extended, we will be able to reduce the evacuation order but we won’t make that decision until tomorrow," Dixon said.

Emergency Support Services have been extended for another 24 hours. Residents who haven't registered yet can do so by calling 250-328-8749 or emailing ess@penticton.ca.%

— This story was updated at 2:38 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, with new information from the City of Penticton.

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