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Protecting people, communities in the Okanagan

Press Release

June 9, 2026

Province supports projects to reduce flood threat in Vernon, Penticton, Lumby

VERNON –

Summary

  • Projects improve creek capacity and embankments, restore floodplains and safeguard fish habitats
  • Since 2017, the Province has committed more than $16 million to projects that address flood hazards in Vernon, Lumby and Penticton
  • The projects are part of the Province’s investment of more than $410 million for approximately 600 flood risk reduction projects since 2017 with local governments and First Nations

People, neighbourhoods and businesses in Vernon and Penticton are better protected from the effects of floods with the completion of projects supported by the Province and federal and local governments.

In addition, two projects will soon be underway in Lumby that will strengthen that community against flooding.

“When we think of the Okanagan, we have images of clear skies and sunshine, not necessarily floods,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “But flooding can and does affect communities throughout B.C., and its frequency and intensity are increasing due to climate change. That’s why these investments in flood-risk reduction are crucial for people in the Okanagan. These projects are only possible through our close partnerships with the federal government and local communities.”

Vernon treatment plant better protected

On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Greene visited the completed 43rd Street crossing of Vernon Creek, which is upstream from a wastewater treatment plant now protected from recurring floods. The project included channel widening to increase creek-flow capacity, while strengthening embankments and protecting fish habitats.

The project was funded through the Green Infrastructure stream of the Investing in the ICIP (Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program). The Province provided more than $1.1 million, the federal government committed more than $1.3 million and the City of Vernon contributed almost $885,000.

Crucial dam upgrade completed in Penticton

In Penticton, the Ellis 4 Dam has been upgraded to meet provincial dam-safety regulations and reduce the risk of failure due to natural disasters and extreme weather.

The Ellis 4 Dam was built in 1930 to provide irrigation for agricultural properties. It also helps control the flow of water into Ellis Creek during peak runoff periods, while ensuring there is enough water during dry summer months to support aquatic life and irrigation.

The Province provided more than $3.2 million from the Green Infrastructure steam of the ICIP, the federal government contributed nearly $3.9 million and the City of Penticton provided $11.9 million.

Diking projects soon underway in Lumby

In Lumby, construction will begin this summer on a project to create a 430-metre setback dike on the bank of Duteau Creek, and a 500-metre setback dike on the bank of Bessette Creek, providing nearly one kilometre of protection in areas of Lumby that are prone to flooding.

The Province provided nearly $2.9 million through the Green Infrastructure stream of ICIP, the federal government committed more than $2.3 million and the Village of Lumby contributed almost $580,000.

Another project in Lumby will add bank armouring along Bessette Creek and preliminary design work for a dike along Shields Avenue. For this project, the Province is investing more than $1.7 million from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.

Disaster preparedness throughout B.C.

Since 2017, the Province has provided more than $580 million for approximately 2,940 disaster-preparedness and mitigation projects administered through the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.

This includes approximately $350 million provided to First Nations and local governments for more than 2,700 projects through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.

The Province also established the Disaster Resilience and Innovation Funding program to help First Nations and local governments strengthen defences against natural and climate-caused hazards. To date, approximately $45 million has been committed for 67 ongoing projects throughout B.C.

The Province has also contributed approximately $429 million toward more than 177 projects under the Green Infrastructure stream of ICIP, with another $836 million committed by the federal government.

Quotes:

Stephen Fuhr, MP for Kelowna and Secretary of State for Defence Procurement –

“We are helping communities strengthen their resilience to flooding and extreme weather events by investing in projects in Vernon, Penticton and Lumby to support safer, healthier and more sustainable communities. These projects reflect the importance of working together with our partners to protect people, homes and critical infrastructure across the Okanagan.”

Victor Cumming, mayor of Vernon –

“Protecting our community from flooding is a key focus for the City of Vernon. The improvements to Vernon Creek strengthen our resilience to extreme weather, help safeguard critical infrastructure, support the health of local ecosystems, and improve pedestrian and vehicle access. We are grateful for the strong partnership with the Province and the federal government that made this important project possible, and for the continued investment in keeping our residents, businesses and natural environment safe, while improving the quality of life in Vernon.”

Julius Bloomfield, mayor of Penticton –

“This project shows what we can achieve when all orders of government work together to reduce flood risks and protect our community. With support from the Province and the federal government, we are strengthening critical infrastructure and helping keep residents, businesses and neighbourhoods safe. Projects of this scale would not be possible without these financial partnerships, which are helping deliver lasting benefits and a more-resilient community in the face of climate change.”

Kevin Acton, mayor of Lumby –

“The Village of Lumby is grateful for the ongoing support from the provincial and federal governments. Stabilizing our creek and protecting our critical infrastructure and downstream core from flooding or becoming orphaned from our emergency services during a flood is imperative.”

Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Lumby –

“These projects are an important step in protecting our local communities from the increasing threat of floods and extreme weather driven by climate change. By strengthening infrastructure and reducing risk, we’re helping ensure people, homes and businesses in the Okanagan are better prepared for any future challenges.”

Learn More:

Contact:Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
Media Relations
250-880-6430

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