Central Okanagan flooding cost B.C. taxpayers $20 million | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Kelowna News

Central Okanagan flooding cost B.C. taxpayers $20 million

Part of the money went towards cleaning up debris caused by the flooding. Barges are still on Okanagan Lake collecting remaining debris.

KELOWNA - The Province of B.C. has approved $20 million for Central Okanagan Emergency Operations to go towards flooding restoration.

The funds were approved through the Provincial Emergency Preparedness Program.

While a lot of the money has already been spent, some work has yet to be completed.

“That number has already been approved by the province, a lot of it has gone towards the removal of sandbags, which is winding down now,” says Ian Wilson, the acting operations chief for the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations. “It’s also gone towards supporting the fire fighters that were here, and contractors that helped deploy and remove sandbags.”

The money will also go towards debris removal. Currently, there are barges on Okanagan Lake working to remove any remaining debris caused by the flooding.

“Okanagan Lake is such a huge area, crews will be cleaning up debris for another three weeks or so,” said Wilson.

Although Wilson says the amount could change, he says due to the fact most of the restoration is underway or complete, it is unlikely.

Click here to read our coverage of the flooding.


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