Penticton - Penticton Creek Flood Mitigation: Reach 3AU/ 3B and Structure 3 and 4

completed

The project involves new flood mitigation infrastructure within Reaches 3, 5 and 6 in Penticton Creek within downtown Penticton. Activities include removal of approximately 350 metres of the existing, failing concrete lining and removal of three deteriorated drop structures (2, 3 and 4). A new deeper and wider channel will be constructed lined with river rock, incorporation of riffles and pools for fish to rest and installation of riprap and native vegetation along the banks. Structure 2 will be replaced with riffle and pool sequences, structure 3 will be replaced with a new drop structure and structure 4 will be replaced with a riffle sequence. Structures 3 and 4 will also include placement of large riprap to prevent further deterioration to assist in restoration. The project will also include the removal of the Nanaimo Ave traffic bridge due to its limited lifespan and lack of freeboard capacity to withstand a 1:200 flood event. Removal of this bridge will require some changes to the nearby traffic network and improvements to the road infrastructure, including traffic calming and improved pedestrian connectivity, for the Nanaimo Ave and Van Horne Street intersection and the nearby Ellis Street and Westminster Ave E intersection. The creek restoration will also include works to naturalize the area disturbed from equipment access and laydown, in order for this area to be used as a landscaped park to allow the public to view the creek and its surroundings. The proposed project results in a widened floodplain, increased freeboard and bank stability, improved fish habitat and a creek that is able to withstand the full range of flood flows anticipated in the future.