Kelowna, B.C. – The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) held a joint news conference with provincial, Okanagan Nation Alliance and local government representatives today to announce significant funding and a unique partnership to help valley communities plan and prepare for future flood events.
The partnership chose Kinsmen Park in Kelowna, the site of notable flooding last spring, to announce $1.45 million in funding from the National Disaster Mitigation Program and the B.C. Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, to conduct flood mapping and flood risk assessments.
“The weather in the Okanagan is changing,” explained Anna Warwick Sears, OBWB’s Executive Director. “Last spring, we saw historic flooding in our valley, followed by a prolonged dry spell. Climate scientists have warned that extreme fluctuations are going to become more common. This project will help us plan for stronger and safer communities.”