Preparations for ‘one-in-20-year’ flood need to start now, says Kamloops Mayor

While it may be the last thing Kamloops residents want to think about, the time to prepare for a one-in-20 year flood is now. 

Mayor Ken Christian is expecting significant flooding this spring, and he wants residents to be ready.

"I don't want people to be surprised when that happens," Christian said during a press conference outside Kamloops City Hall today, May 1. "Preparations need to start now."

Those who own riverfront property are urged to set up sandbags, especially those in vulnerable areas along Schubert Drive.

If residents must evacuate, the City has a number of civic facilities that could be used to house those who are displaced, Christian said.

As hotels currently have high vacancy due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are being considered as an option to house evacuees as well.

For the latest information on flooding from the City of Kamloops go here.

For current information on waterway levels across the province, visit the B.C. River Forecast Centre website here.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Brie Welton or call (250) 819-3723 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.