Downloading concerns overflow at RDNO

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 23, 2013 1:00 AM

Elmer Halvorson photo

 Ashton Creek residents are demanding action over flooding but local politicians are reluctant to get involved.  Regional District of North Okanagan staff will prepare a report on the ramifications of remediation along Ashton Creek, but rural Enderby director Jackie Pearase isn’t sure RDNO has a role in the matter. “The creek is a provincial responsibility. It should be the province that fixes it,” she said. Ron Baker, RDNO’s community protective services manager, cautions that a study could lead to the district taking on repair costs and ongoing maintenance. “Once you are into it, you own all of the issues,” he said. However, the provincial government has indicated that RDNO must conduct a feasibility study on possible flood mitigation on the creek. That is also being sought by Ashton Creek residents. “We have a continous problem with spring flood and we need the problem addressed before there is damage to property and life,” Len Bawtree, speaking for the community, told RDNO Wednesday. Among the issues are the creek bed being higher than the surrounding ground and a culvert filling up with gravel. Residents want the creek dredged. Director Janice Brown is concerned about downloading on to RDNO because a local study about Fortune Creek led to the province saying Spallumcheen was on the hook for $3.2 million in dredging. “We have been fighting and fighting this,” she said. If RDNO was to proceed with enhancements to Ashton Creek, it’s not known where the funding would come from. “They can’t afford to contribute,” said Trafford Hall, administrator, of Ashton Creek taxpayers.