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UPDATED: Band rescinds evacuation

The Okanagan Indian Band has issued an evacuation alert to about 300 people at Parker Cove because of a log jam on Whiteman’s Creek
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Whiteman’s Creek has been running high because of rain and snowmelt. (Dwayne Lawrence photo)

UPDATE WEDNESDAY 9:48 A.M. - The Okanagan Indian Band has officially rescinded the evacuation order issued Tuesday affecting residents at Parker’s Cove community.

Residents are encouraged to continue to check the band’s website at www.okib.ca for the most current updates as the band continues to monitor the area for potential flood hazard over the next few days.

“We would like to thank the concerted efforts of our neighbouring communities for mobilizing emergency services and resources which assisted us to ensure the safety of our community members,” said Chief Byron Louis.

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UPDATE WEDNESDAY 5:50 A.M. - The Okanagan Indian Band reports that the log jam on Whiteman’s Creek was removed at about 1:24 a.m. Wednesday.

The imminent damger has passed with no known damage to structures.

The evacuation order for residents of Parker Cove has not been rescinded at this time.

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Residents of a Westside Road neighbourhood are being forced out by a potential flood.

The Okanagan Indian Band has issued an evacuation alert to about 300 people at Parker Cove because of a log jam on Whiteman’s Creek.

“It is a precautionary measure,” said Chief Byron Louis.

“A log jam is a worry if if moves downstream.”

The log jam is about 200 metres north of the bridge at Whiteman’s Creek off Westside Road.

Residents of Parker’s Cove on the following roads will be notified of the evacuation by the RCMP, or Search and Rescue: all of Falcon Avenue and Grouse Avenue beginning around Argali Street to Cougar Street.

“Our concern is for the safety and well-being of all those who reside in our community,” said Louis.

“We expect the removal of the debris will occur without incident, but we will not risk the safety of our neighbours.”

An emergency reception centre is being mobilized by the City of Vernon to assist affected residents. The reception centre will open at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Vernon Curling Club.