Flood protection barricades, sandbags removed in Kamloops

Receding river levels are good news for those who want to stroll around Riverside Park in Kamloops.

During the spring freshet season, the City of Kamloops expected a 'one-in-20 year' flood and installed flood protection measures in various areas of the city. Now as the water levels drop, the City is removing flood protection barriers and sandbags.

The flood protection baskets at McArthur Island were removed earlier this week, and starting today, July 24, the City will begin removing the baskets in place at Riverside Park. The project is expected to go into next week, and the park users are warned to be cautious when in the area due to the large construction equipment. Closed areas such as the Riverside Park pier, the beach and the Rivers Trail will reopen as the barricades are removed.

City crews are also in the process of removing flood protection bags that were placed over catch basic in low-lying areas. They will also begin removing the supply of sand and sandbags from various sites.

Residents who used sand and sandbags from the City during the spring freshet are encouraged to return them free of charge to Mission flats or the Barnhartvale landfill, although the sand will need to be separated from the bags.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Jenna Wheeler or call (250) 819-6089 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.