The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) continues to support community recovery efforts for residents and property owners affected by the November 2021 atmospheric river event. RDOS Recovery Manager Trevor Kier is working with the Town of Princeton, Emergency Management BC (EMBC), provincial ministries, and non-governmental agencies to advance recovery efforts.

Trevor Kier is a BC-based emergency professional who focuses on community and organizational development initiatives including economic development, health care planning, social housing development and natural disaster recovery. In 2017-2018, Trevor led wildfire recovery efforts for the City of Williams Lake. The recovery manager position, which is funded by EMBC, supports and implements recovery efforts in Electoral Areas B, G, and H.

“The flooding in November caused significant damage and hardship across the Regional District,” says Electoral Area H Director Bob Coyne. “Members of my family are among those affected by the flooding, and I understand the frustration people are feeling.” If you or someone you know would like to speak with a health professional, please call the BC Mental Health Support Line at 310-6789 (no area code). Support is free and available 24 hours a day.

In addition to providing information about available resources, the RDOS is taking proactive steps to ensure residents and property owners are aware of the potential impacts of spring freshet. In British Columbia, property owners are responsible for taking the necessary steps on their property to protect their home and property from flooding, while government emergency programs focus on broader flood response measures. 

For further information and resource links, please visit the RDOS Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) website at emergency.rdos.bc.ca or send an email to recoverymanager@rdos.bc.ca. The RDOS will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Due to the atmospheric river event, large amounts of debris have collected in areas along several B.C. rivers and streams. Visit www2.gov.bc.ca to learn more about flood response and the environment.

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Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Bob Coyne, Electoral Area H Director
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Contacts:

Sean Vaisler
RDOS Manager of Emergency Services
250-490-4218

KVR Trail, Tulameen (March 4, 2022)

KVR Trail damage, Tulameen (March 4, 2022)