City of Kelowna says Mill Creek flood mitigation work to resume this spring

The City of Kelowna says work on the multi-year Mill Creek Flood Protection Project will continue this year as a part of the $95 million being invested in infrastructure projects.

The first phase of the project began in fall 2021 and the second phase began in July 2023.

It is partially funded through a $22 million grant from the Government of Canada’s Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, which was announced in March 2019.

“These projects help build sustainability by addressing issues before they escalate,” says Rod MacLean, utility planning manager, in the news release.

“This proactive approach, helps prevent costly repairs and environmental damage, safeguarding Kelowna’s natural environment.”

Mill Creek is prone to flooding in the spring and has caused extensive damage in the past.

The worst flooding in recent years was seen in May 2017 following a big rain storm, which resulted in the creek spilling its banks and damaging homes and businesses.

That led to a lot of preparation work the following spring, including warnings to homeowners and projects led by the City of Kelowna and the regional district.

The creek reached full pool but did not spill its bank in 2018.

The creek spilled its banks again in 2020, which saw damage to homes and businesses, and again in 2022, which prompted a local state of emergency.

The second phase of work on the northern part of Mill Creek includes rehabilitating the creek’s banks, improving riparian and fish passage, reducing debris accumulation and adding temporary in-stream storage opportunities, the city explains.

To date, diversion work has been upgraded to meet higher flows and redirect a portion of flood flows to Mission Creek through existing culverts.

According to the city, project activities this year will include:

• Final touches on the Mill Creek Diversion and re-establishment of the Rail Trail.

• Mill Creek at the Burne Avenue site: Enhanced flood protection, restoration activities including tree planting, and creek/habitat improvements.

• Riffles on Mission Creek: The addition of riffles to improve floodplain connectivity and fish habitat.

• Removal of two aging pedestrian bridges on Mill Creek: The bridges are safety hazards and collect debris which presents a flood risk. Upon removal, the area will be naturalized.

According to a news release from the city, $7 million of the $95 million will be used for other projects that focus on protecting existing infrastructure while restoring natural habitats.

That includes work to upgrade the South Ridge Storm Pond in the Southwest Mission neighbourhood, which will see a new warning system installed to better notify city officials if the pond is at risk of reaching full pool.

The city says a new pipe system will also be installed to divert excess water and avoid flooding.