Creek enhancement damaged by ooding

Kelowna to repair part of Mission Creek that was rebuilt to provide more spawning habitat for kokanee

The causes of groundwater pollution in a North Okanagan community will be investigated by a University of Victoria researcher. Oliver Brandes has been retained by the NDP government to look at the water situation in Spallumcheen, where a water-quality advisory has been in place for several years. Some residents believe their wells are contaminated by farming operations. Brandes’ Brandes’ appointment was announced Thursday by Environment

Minister George Heyman.

Repairs must be made to a section of Mission Creek in Kelowna that was reconstructed to a more natural environment last year.

This spring’s flooding caused some damage along a 500-metre section of the creek between Casorso Road and Gordon Drive.

Work last year included rebuilding the dike farther back from bank to allow water to meander like it would have done decades ago, before Mission Creek was straightened and channelized.

As well, several small pools were created throughout the 2.5-hectare site.

“While the works generally performed as expected, this spring’s well-above-average runoff caused changes that need attention,” says project engineer Don Dobson.

Berms along the original dike footprint will be rebuilt and reinforced to minimize erosion and prevent too much water from getting into the side channel.

Repair work is being done this week.

Hiking paths along the creek will remain open, but trail users are asked to watch out for workers.

The $2-million restoration of the creek to a more natural course was intended, among other things, to provide more spawning habitat for kokanee.

A long-term goal to restore other parts of a 12-kilometre section of the creek includes reconnecting remnant oxbows, planting native vegetation along the creek bank, creating wetlands for species at risk and improving drainage for agricultural land.