Properties affected by the evacuation order in Parker Cove.
Image Credit: Okanagan Indian Band
Republished May 10, 2017 - 9:51 AM
Original Publication Date May 10, 2017 - 6:54 AM
VERNON - People living in Parker Cove, on Okanagan Lake, have been given the OK to return home this mornign after an overnight evacuation order due to a large log jam.
Due to recent flooding, a log jam formed about 200 metres north of the bridge at Whiteman’s Creek off Westside Road on the Okanagan Indian Band reserve, according to a release from the band.
The potential of flooding during the removal of the log jam initiated the evacuation of residents living in Parker’s Cove the evening of Tuesday, May 9. As of 9:45 a.m. May 10, the Okanagan Indian Band had the log jam removed and rescinded the evacuation order.
Residents on Falcon Avenue and Grouse Avenue beginning around Argali Street to Cougar Street were ordered to leave their homes last night, May 9, as a precaution.
“Our concern is for the safety and well-being of all those who reside in our community,” Chief Byron Louis said in a release from May 9.
An Emergency Reception Centre was mobilized by the City of Vernon to assist affected residents. The reception centre opened at 11:30 p.m. at the Curling Rink, 3400 39 Avenue Vernon.
In a May 10 media release, the City of Vernon says it provided Emergency Social Services to about 70 evacuees from Okanagan Indian Band Parker Cove area on Tuesday evening. Emergency Management B.C. reported to the City that approximately 300 people or 100 homes near Parker Cove were affected by flooding.
Currently, it is expected that evacuees will be able to return to their homes by Thursday, May 11, the city states in the release.
— This story was updated at 9:30 a.m. May 10, 2017 to add information from a City of Vernon media release and again at 9:45 a.m. to say the evacuation order was rescinded.
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