Drainage, Flooding and Storm Sewers

Power Creek Bridge Runoff - CWK Image If life, limb and property are in immediate danger from flood waters, call 9-1-1.

For emergency updates, in the event of widespread flooding and recovery efforts, please visit www.cordemergency.ca. Related local facilities, parks and road closures will be listed on the City of West Kelowna's homepage.

For urgent, non-life threatening drainage and flooding issues, such as burst pipes, clogged storm sewers, damaged hydrants, sewer backups, and water flowing onto or off your property, please call:

778-797-2225; during business hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding holidays)
778-797-1000, dial option 2; after hours

Building Near Creeks, Floodplains and Lakeshore

Please contact the Development Services Division to determine the guidelines for Creekside, floodplain and foreshore construction and, if eligible, to begin the application process. Call 778-797-8830 or email us.

Culverts and Drainage Ditches

Please ensure that culverts around your home are trimmed and clear of debris, ice and snow at all times and that no chemicals are dumped into the system. Under Section 5.4 of the Good Neighbour Bylaw, residents are required to maintain culverts and drainage ditches. For all other non-emergency culvert and drainage requests, contact the Roads Department by calling 778-797-2225 or emailing us.

Disaster Financial Assistance

Disaster Financial Assistance is available in some cases for uninsurable losses and is provided through the BC Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services.

Flood Mitigation, Recovery and Repairs

Never work in creeks and streams without the proper permits. Please contact our Development Services Division for information on how to proceed with flood works. Email us or call 778-797-8830.

Sandbags

In light of possible localized flooding in May and June 2020, the City of West Kelowna continues to stock sand and sandbags at various self-serve locations near the city’s waterfront.

For a list of sandbag stations click here.

Storm Drains: Proper Use and Protection

Never deposit trash or pour hazardous materials such as paints, solvents, cleaners, fuel and oil into storm drains. Please remember, the system often feeds into nearby water courses and ultimately Okanagan Lake. Please avoid using fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides around curbs and drains and clean up fertilizer if it falls into drainage areas. Please, do not dispose of grass clippings, leaves and mulch in the ditches as this will minimize the storage capacity of the culvert and will create overflow during spring snow melt or storms.