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Funding flows into flooding

There is $150,000 in provincial funding for flood protection support in Lumby.
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Efforts are being taken to ensure the great Lumby flood isn’t repeated.

In 2013, water from swollen creeks flooded homes and businesses, creating a significant emergency in the community.

“None of us had ever seen water at the four-way stop before,” said Eric Foster, a resident and Vernon-Monashee MLA.

On Wednesday, Foster announced $150,000 in provincial funding for flood protection support for the village.

Specifically, the grant will go towards flood and hazard mapping and allow the village to better plan for future flooding.

Mayor Kevin Acton insists that the 2013 flooding was a wake-up call for the community.

“There were businesses that took a big (financial) hit while they were closed and employees were sandbagging. It was a serious threat to downtown,” he said.

Beyond the impact on businesses and homes, Acton says high water puts critical infrastructure, like roads and water lines, at risk.

“Climate change is a real thing. We’ve tried to work proactively on the issue,” he said.

Foster says there will be government funding long-term for actual flood prevention projects although the costs and timelines haven’t been worked out yet.

“Once the mapping and planning is done, the next step is mitigation. But you need to have a plan first,” he said.