On June 2, 2022 the City of Williams Lake activated its Emergency Operations Centre at Level 1 (low risk) in response to rising water levels at the site of a historic beaver dam on Crown land high above Juniper Street off South Lakeside Drive. At that time, the City, working with contractors, installed siphons to establish a controlled release to safely reduce water levels to protect residences within City limits located below the dam in the event of a breach.
As precipitation has accumulated over the past weeks, the water levels have now been determined to be rising once again. The City continues to monitor and respond to the situation from its Emergency Operations Centre as it awaits a long-term solution from the Province.
“Last month, the City sent correspondence to the Province advising that it expects the Provincial Crown (through the responsible Ministries) to initiate ongoing monitoring and permanent risk reduction measures so this situation does not arise again,” says City of Williams Lake Chief Administrative Officer Gary Muraca.
“Initially, the City was willing to undertake this emergency response to protect its residents and property. We appreciate the ongoing support from Emergency Management British Columbia, but it is time to find a permanent solution to this ongoing issue.”
As it awaits a practical response from the Ministry of Forests, the City and contractors will continue to monitor the site and water levels from its Emergency Operations Centre and the City will provide updates as necessary.
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