2nd phase of Mill Creek flood mitigation project begins Monday

The second phase of the Mill Creek Flood Protection Project begins this week and is expected to continue for more than a year.

The multi-year, multi-million dollar initiative is scheduled to resume on July 10 and will cause a detour on the Okanangan Rail Trail for the duration of the project.

According to the city, the aim of the project is to improve riparian conditions and reduce the risk of flooding from the Kelowna Airport west towards Okanagan Lake.

Improvements to instream habitats and fish passage areas are also included in the project.

“This phase of the project includes the raising of the dikes at both the north and south sides of the upgraded diversion structure located next to the Okanagan Rail Trail east of Dilworth Drive,” said Rod MacLean, utilities planning manager.

“During a major flood event, this will create a head pond that will slow down the flow of the creek water and improve the safety and effectiveness of the diversion.”

While efforts have been made to reduce the impact on large, mature trees, the city says some tree loss is expected to happen.

Removal of several large trees along the creek will begin July 20 and last for about three weeks.

The city says a bird nesting survey done by a professional biologist is scheduled to happen before any trees are removed.

“To ensure adequate compensation for the loss of riparian forest cover, the City of Kelowna has established a criteria where a minimum ratio of 3:1 of the trees removed will be replanted on site,” said MacLean.

“In addition to the replanting efforts, we recognize the importance of supporting local bird species and their habitat so we will also be installing nest boxes within suitable areas to support nesting and breeding.”

In total, 260 replacement trees will be replanted, including 7,000 riparian shrubs.

The city will also be working closely with the Okanagan Nation Alliance to implement several fish habitat improvements directly upstream of the project site to support and bolster spawning grounds for fish populations.

Work is expected to wrap up in spring 2024.

The project is funded by the Infrastructure Canada Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.