November, 2021 Archives

As back-to-back storms continue to hit BC, the cumulative rainfall and flash snowpack melts may cause the Similkameen River (originating in Manning Park) to rise suddenly again.

Village of Keremeos staff and contracted professionals are continuing to work with the RDOS Emergency Operations Centre to monitor upstream indicators and prepare.

Meanwhile, it is important for all Keremeos residents to be ready for emergencies and be aware of risks. A few ways for you to prepare:

• Develop a personal emergency plan for severe weather events today, not during an evacuation alert! The following link contains a checklist of things to consider. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/severe-weather
• Build a household emergency kit with enough non-perishable food, water and supplies to sustain your household for a week.
• For residents living along Similkameen River flood plains, store valuables and important items or documents in water-tight containers or in higher places, such as on a tall shelf or upper floor.
• Think about friends or relatives outside of the risk area that you could tentatively stay with, if necessary. In emergencies where multiple locations are impacted, motel spaces fill up quickly.

If you observe an extreme weather event unfolding, be aware of additional risks:

• Keep away from river and streams, including dikes. Riverbanks and dike surfaces that look stable can be eroded beneath the surface causing unstable ground that could collapse.
• Be mindful of falling trees. Strong winds and heavy rainfalls can down trees, especially those trees that were weakened by last summer’s drought.
• Driving
  • Do not drive into areas under water
    • The depth of water is not always obvious. The roadbed may be washed out under the water and sink holes could exist but be unseen.
    • Approximately 15 centimetres (six inches) of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling, and 30.5 centimetres (a foot) of water will float many vehicles.
    • If a car begins to flood, abandon it quickly and get to higher ground.
  • Consider putting a kit of emergency provisions in your car (e.g. water, blanket, TP) in case you must spend extended periods in your vehicle.
  • Before driving away from emergency conditions, check that your routes is clear. For the latest on road conditions online: Drivebc.ca

For further guidance on preparing for potential flooding, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/floods

Continue to monitor the RDOS website for regional updates on emerging issues rdos.bc.ca

Fast-rising water in the Similkameen River prompted an Evacuation Alert for low lying areas of the Village of Keremeos on Monday, November 15, 2021.

The Keremeos Fire Department monitored river activity overnight, as Village engineers, equipment and the RDOS Emergency Operations Centre staff stood by to act if necessary.

As of Tuesday, November 16, the river is receding and the current river forecast is positive.

The Keremeos dike has been reinspected by engineers and remains strong. The sewer treatment plant was not impacted by this event and is functioning well.

Keremeos remains under an Evacuation Alert.

Visit the RDOS website for up to date regional information rdos.bc.ca "Hot Topics"

Please contact the Village of Keremeos municipal office at 250-499-2711 for more information

The Nov 15, 2021 Public Hearing and Regular Council Meetings have been postponed until December 6, 2021.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NOTICE

NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE AN OPERATIONAL CERTIFICATE 110041 UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT

Take notice that the Director intends to issue an OPERATIONAL CERTIFICATE 110041 to the Village of Keremeos for the municipal wastewater treatment facility located at 802 Veterans Avenue and the associated discharge to the ground. The Operational Certificate will be issued a minimum of 30 days after the last date of publication of this notice.

The land upon which the facility is situated is PID 003-071-286, Plan KAP33866, Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen; PID 012-555-762, Plan KAP300, Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen; and PID 012-555-771, Plan KAP300, Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, Keremeos. The location of the point of discharge is PID 003-071-286, Lot A, Plan KAP33866, Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, Keremeos.

The wastewater treatment facility and discharge are authorized through the Village of Keremeos’s Liquid Waste Management Plan which was approved by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy on February 1, 2021. The subject Operational Certificate imposes additional terms and conditions on the treatment and discharge of the municipal wastewater.

A copy of the draft operational certificate may be viewed on the Village of Keremeos website: https://www.keremeos.ca/home and a copy is available for the public to view in person at City Hall.

Any person who may be adversely affected by the granting of this Operational Certificate and wishes to provide relevant information may, within 30 days after the last date of publication of this notice, send written comments to the Village of Keremeos, Marg Coulson, Chief Administrative Officer (phone: 250-499-2711 or email: cao@keremeos.ca) with a copy to the Ministry (email: jennifer.pape@gov.bc.ca). The identity of any respondents and the contents of anything submitted in relation to this application will become part of the public record.

Dated this 2nd day of November 2021.

The October 4, 2021 Regular Council Minutes have been adopted and are available here.

The November 1, 2021 Coucnil Highlights are available here.