FLOOD WATCH – Part of Rivers Trail, pier at Riverside Park closed

The Rivers Trail between Riverside Park and Pioneer Park was closed today (Wednesday, May 16, 2018) and City crews will close the Riverside Park pier tomorrow due to high river levels.

Pathway lighting from the pier to Sandman Centre will be turned off and catch basins in low-lying areas will be covered with large flood protection bags to prevent river water from backing up onto roadways. The City is asking motorists to drive with caution as the flood protection bags are often within driving lanes.

River levels are expected to moderately increase over the long weekend.

Boat launches are expected to remain open for the long weekend but extreme caution is being advised due to large amounts of debris in the water. As river levels continue to rise, boat passage under the South Thompson railway bridge may not be possible.

Sand and sandbags are available at fire stations through the city. Information on locations and sandbagging techniques can be found at www.kamloops.ca/flood.

The Province’s Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) Program has arranged with Service BC offices across the province to offer help with the DFA application process to residents affected by flooding.

DFA is offering the service for people who are out of their homes. Service BC offices are in Kamloops, Merritt and Ashcroft.