Summerland mudslide threatens two homes

SUMMERLAND – The state of emergency declared for two properties in the District of Summerland continues after a mudslide late last week.

An evacuation order was issued for 21207 Garnet Valley Rd. following the slide Friday afternoon, March 30.

The 10-metre wide mudslide flowed down a hillside on Garnet Valley Road, damaging the south corner of a residence located on the property and washing out the slope below.

The slide also threatens a property located at 21025 Garnet Valley Rd. and it has been placed on an evacuation alert.

Summerland chief administrative officer Linda Tynan says a little more slippage occurred on the slope over the weekend along the lower portion of the slide area.

She says geotechnical staff are currently assessing the slide’s impact on Summerland municipal infrastructure. Fortis B.C. and the homeowner are also having their respective interests on the property assessed.

Geotechnical advisors say the slope above the slide area is saturated and water is continuing to flow out of the slide area.

Tynan says a problem is being created by people interested in seeing the mudslide that are not only trespassing, but encroaching on a hazardous area.

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