The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has declared a State of Local Emergency in Windermere as Windermere Creek continues to swell and is causing the potential for flooding of homes and properties in the low- lying area where the creek flows into the lake.

“We are currently working with the province to get the approvals to do the work within the creek channel, and if approved, will mobilize equipment as quickly as possible,” explained RDEK Information Officer Loree Duczek.

Windermere Creek has been running high for several days and increasing sedimentation within the channel has magnified the potential for flooding. RDEK Emergency Personnel have been monitoring the creek since last week’s rainstorm and engaged Water Stewardship from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development to do an assessment last Friday.

Declaring a state of local emergency enables the RDEK to exercise emergency powers under the Emergency Program Act as it responds to the flooding in Windermere Creek.

As this is a developing situation, more information will be provided as it becomes available.

RDEK

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