Danger zone extended around slumping Knox Mountain hillside

KELOWNA – The City of Kelowna has expanded the no-go zone around the slowly slumping hillside above Knox Mountain Metals in the city’s North End.

Park trails above the slope, and the dead end of Ethel Street below, have been closed and a safe operating zone established for the Knox Mountain Metals recycling operation, civic operations manager Stephen Bryans said in a press release.

The city is warning people not to enter the fenced off are along Royal View Drive with the potential for injury or death should the slope suddenly fail.

Bryans said a geotechnical report commissioned by the city had identified the danger zone.

Knox Mountain Metals is still receiving scrap metal but has suspended sales of new and used metals, Bryans said.

No other properties are considered at risk and a geotechnical consultant will continue to monitor the slope.

Bryans said repairs on the slope will have to wait until the source of groundwater in the area can be found and the slope itself dries out.

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