Peachland mudslide repairs could cost up to $1 million

KELOWNA – Five properties are still waiting to have their sewer services restored, and Renfrew Road remains closed, after a mudslide in Peachland on Friday.

The slide on Jan. 6 ruptured a sewer main leaving 45 residences without sewer services. According to the District of Peachland, part of the area was also without power when a BC Hydro power pole was knocked over during the incident.

The cause of the mudslide is yet to be determined but there is a suspicion ground water was the culprit, the district says in a media release issued today, Jan. 11.

“This is an anomaly,” the release says. “Land slides do not usually occur in cold temperatures.”

Long term repairs could cost as much as $1 million, while short term costs could reach about $250,000. The report says the estimated timeline for the permanent repairs is three to four months.

The city will be flying a drone over the area later this week to determine what action to take moving forward.

The ground water in the area is making it “unstable and unsafe for workers,” but district staff continue to work to determine the cause of the slide.

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