8 Kelowna beaches closed for flood protection measures

As Okanagan Lake continues to rise, a handful of Kelowna parks have been closed.

The closures are to allow city crews the room to install flood barriers including bladder dams, gabion barriers and sandbags.

Beach areas at the following waterfront parks have been closed:

• Sutherland Park
• City Park
• Lake Avenue Beach Access (south) to Burne Avenue Beach Access
• Strathcona Park
• Francis Avenue
• Maude Roxby Bird Sanctuary
• Kinsmen Park
• Rotary Beach Park

“The flood protection measures are in place along some of Kelowna’s beaches and waterfront parks to help reduce the effect of high water levels,” said Blair Stewart, Parks Services Manager. “We can’t stress enough that the public should not approach, climb or jump on these pieces of equipment.”

The closures will remain in effect until the flood has passed and crews are able to remove flood barriers from parks.

Signage has been posted at all parks that have been closed.

The following Regional Parks remain closed as well:

• Glen Canyon Regional Park from the Acorn bridge downstream to the Gellatly Road parking area and from the Constable Neil Bruce entrance upstream to the Covington Crescent entrance at Last Mountain Community Park
• Hardy Falls Regional Park
• Mill Creek Regional Park
• Killiney Beach Community Park – including the boat launch is closed to all visitors, with limited vehicle access through the park for waterfront properties.