Flood costs revealed

The 2017 floods cost Summerland $680,000 preliminary figures presented at Monday’s council meeting show.

Director of works and utilities Kris Johnson delivered the news in his updated report on flood recovery.

“Shoreline and structural engineers have been engaged to assess the impacted shoreline, retaining walls and structures. Final engineering reports are expected to be submitted by the end of February,” Johnson said.

In the best-case scenario, Disaster Financial Assistance will cover $435,000 with the municipality picking up the remaining $245,000.

Recovery funds are not reimbursed until the work is completed and project invoices are approved by DFA, so the district must ensure the total project costs are covered until such funds are received.

Activities ranging from dock re-decking and boat launch restoration to linear pathway reconstruction and shoreline erosion protection are anticipated to begin in March and continue through the fall.

Construction activities will be limited in July and August in some locations to minimize impact on tourists.

“What happens if we get more flooding this year?” Coun. Erin Carlson asked.

“That would be assessed at the time,” chief administrative officer Linda Tynan replied.