Peachland has a plan for mudslide repair

PEACHLAND – Peachland is opting for a permanent solution following the landslide in the community last month.

Council has decided to go directly to a $750,000 long term plan to repair the damage from the Jan. 6 slide just north of Antlers Beach on a steep bank up to Renfrew Road, according to a District of Peachland media release.

The district says a "conventional earth import method" will designed by geotechnical engineering company Interior Testing Services. In order to help the slope’s stability, a combination of geogrid material as well as imported fill will be used.

District staff and consultants are working with provincial agencies to explore areas where costs can be lowered. 

“We would like to thank everyone for their patience and support during this time,” mayor Cindy Fortin says in the release. “We have been carefully assessing our options to ensure the best possible outcomes that provide optimum value for the community.”

The project should take four to six weeks to complete and is expected to start within two weeks time. Weather is the only variable factor.

In the meantime, Renfrew Road remains closed to all traffic and the area is completely fenced off for safety precautions, the district says. Traffic lights are still in place either side of the one-way section of Renfrew Road to allow better access for residents. The speed limit continues to be reduced to 70 km/hr to ensure the area is safe for vehicles, workers and equipment.

The cause of the landslide was determined to be unstable ground water.

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