Region Planning for Flood

Friday, March 23, 2007 03:59 AM

The snow pack for the Fraser and Nechako Basins are well above the norm and a new report indicates there is added flood danger because of the loss of so many trees to the mountain pine beetle. The two factors should mean there should be extra attention paid to flood preparation says Regional District of Fraser Fort George Director Colin Kinsley. He requested the Region write to the provincial government "That we should mitigate in some way to make sure that equipment is on standby ready to go, sandbags are ready, that kind of stuff, just so we are not caught unawares." Kinsley says he just wants to alleviate his concerns "I just want to make sure that if the provincial government hears it (flood concerns) from different groups perhaps there will be just a little more attention paid to what the potential might be. We can mitigate it, but only if we are prepared."

The Regional District Staff have been working on it.

have been talking with Provincial Emergency Program staff,
have already contacted agencies to ensure there are adequate sandbags.
They have also made links with people in the community to be their "eyes" on the situation.
They have a conference call sesssion in late April with the Provincial Emergency Preparation people to bring everyone up to speed on the situation.

PEP has also advised there is funding for the Regional District to do flood planning for the Robson Valley to take in the areas of Valemount, McBride and electoral Area "H" to have flood emergency planning done.

Director Denis Gendron would still like the Regional District to press the Province to carry out increased tree planting "If this continues the way it is, trees won't be pulling water out of the ground for quite a while, so if this is left for a long period, floods are going to be getting worse and worse every year."

Regional District staff will be doing some research on the issue of soil erosion before writing to the Province.

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Posted on Friday, March 23, 2007 03:59 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: Chadermando on March 23 2007 5:58 AM

Can't wait to hear Gofasters take on this one. lol

Posted by: wrinkledawg on March 23 2007 7:32 AM

Maybe they should do a study on it.
:)

Posted by: Palopu on March 23 2007 8:37 AM

The Mayor may want to keep an eye on the lower end of Hamilton St., in South Ft George, The East end of 3rd and 4th Avenue in Prince George and the Cottonwood Island Park, and River Road, the old Slough in Carrie Jane Park that runs through to the Fraser River, as these are the areas that will flood first. Hopefully they have sand bags, pumps etc; on standby.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on March 23 2007 9:39 AM

Your right Papopu,these areas always flood first.Always has, but the city doesn't seem to have learned much from that.Doubtful that will change anytime soon.I suggest materials for an ark on location just in case.
And I don't think it's "if" the flooding comes,it's "when".The signs are there to suggest it could be quite a spring!

Posted by: duffer on March 23 2007 10:29 AM

They should have the inmates from the "Hilton on the hill" out bagging up sand right now, so when the river gets its highest in June things will be ready. I guess that would be cruel and unusual punishment though.

Posted by: metalman on March 23 2007 11:33 AM

Cruel and unusual; should aply to the inmates, generally speaking of course.
What an excellent idea though. They already pick up trash (no pun intended) so why not send a pack of them to the cutbanks with some sacks and spades, get 'dat sand in de bag boy. The city could transport the pallets of sandbags, or even better, hire a courier service to do it. What a concept: being prepared. I like it!
metalman.

Posted by: Harbinger on March 23 2007 4:54 PM

A previous city councillor named Cliffy mentioned once during a campaign, the he would like to see a public campground at Cottonwood Park. As usual, nothing came of it. Just as well. Must've been a weak moment in his thoughts, I guess.

Posted by: owl on March 23 2007 5:23 PM

If low land is 2 feet below the 200 year flood palne, it is amazing what a difference 3 to 4 feet of fill will do. For some reason or other the filled land no longer floods. It is one of the miracles of nature.

;-)

Posted by: Chadermando on March 24 2007 2:27 AM

Harbinger, there are much better locations in PG for campgrounds. The Cottenwood location is no good because it is too small, surrounded by industrial chemical plants, pulp mills, oil refineries, and saw mills, and thus would not be suitible for tourists. Also no services nearby only a section of river down river from the pollution. I'm not surprised the idea didn't catch on. I can think of at least four seperate campground concept locations that would be much more viable locations. One location which is Fish Trap Island (European tourist concept) for utlization of flood plane, and proximity to transpotation as well as other services.

Posted by: Chadermando on March 24 2007 2:27 AM

Great idea Wringledog. lol

Posted by: Chadermando on March 24 2007 2:29 AM

Not to say an oasis of nature in the midst of heavy industry has anything wrong with in in regards to Cottenwood as a City Park.

Posted by: Palopu on March 25 2007 9:35 PM

Owl. These areas flood from underground, because they are all built, or are on old riverbed, so you can put in as much fill as you like but the water will still find its way through. Where do the think the water from Carrie Jane Grey Park through to South Ft George and the Fraser River comes from. (This area is an old slough and River Bed. Once the High Water comes these areas are going to get wet. Beleive me.

Thats why the City used the area for Recreation and Park Land because it is not suitable for commercial.