Recreation spaces reopen after runoff flooding

Some Central Okanagan recreation spaces are reopening after being closed for more than a week because of high water levels in Powers Creek.

Flood waters forced the closures of both Rotary Trails Park and a trail in Glen Canyon Regional Park on April 20.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan says they had to fix “minor damage to the trail” in Glen Canyon Regional Park after the flooding.

Both recreation sites are now reopening to the public.

However, the regional district is closely watching Mission Creek and still isn’t ready to reopen underpasses in the area.

“While Mission Creek water levels have also dropped slightly over the past week, for safety reasons the underpasses along the Mission Creek Greenway at the Casorso Road bridge and on the south side of Mission Creek at the Gordon Drive bridge remain closed until further notice due to the unpredictability of the spring runoff,” says regional district spokesperson Bruce Smith, in a news release.

Smith is also urging people to stay away from the edge of creeks during the spring runoff and to take precautions while boating.

“People are reminded that water levels in area creeks may rise unexpectedly and they, children and pets should stay safely back from creek banks, which may be slippery or subject to erosion from the spring runoff,” says Smith.

“Boaters and those using Okanagan Lake boat launches are advised to watch for floating debris that may enter the lake as a result of the runoff.”