Stressful long weekend ahead for flood-affected Southern Interior

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Many of us will be kicking back this long weekend and relaxing with family and friends. But it’s a very different story in the Southern Interior, with river levels in the Boundary region expected to peak tomorrow.

In the Kootenay Boundary Regional District, there are 3,000 people out of their homes, with 1,600 told to leave in the area immediately around Grand Forks.

With so many homes under threat of flooding, there are major sandbagging efforts from hundreds of workers, soldiers and volunteers under way.

Given this is the long weekend, how are things looking for people who plan to head to Osoyoos?

Ellen Walker-Matthews with Destination Thompson-Okanagan says if you’ve booked, you’re probably okay. But it’s best to call and check on the situation, as there is some localized flooding.

“We’re telling people that it’s a beautiful May long weekend,” says Walker-Matthews. “It is gorgeous. We’re expecting fantastic temperatures and everything is open. The localized flooding is mostly residential.”

Walker-Matthews says two hotels have been affected. But for the most part, it’s business as usual.

“Main streets are open and bustling, the restaurants are open, the golf course — [they’re] are all open,” says Walker-Matthews. “The wineries are open. Most of what you would come to Osoyoos to do and enjoy is there.”


Related articles:

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Parts of the Lower Mainland are also under threat. Two hundred homes in the Township of Langley are under evacuation alert, and it’s the same story for those on Barnston Island.

One nice touch during this flood uncertainty: We’re hearing lumber producer Interfor will be paying its Grand Forks mill workers in full during this situation until further notice.

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