Emergency Operations Centre Activated in Response to Increased Water Levels
The City of Williams Lake has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at Level 1 in response to an identified increased water load at a historic beaver dam site high above Juniper Street off South Lakeside Drive. An EOC Level 1 response is for a small event with a potential threat to safety and security, and is subject to change based on ongoing assessment.
The dam is located on Crown land within City limits. As a precautionary measure, the City of Williams Lake is assessing the risk and has plans in place to reduce the water level behind the dam.
No properties have currently been determined to be at risk. The City has notified all relevant agencies and is working with Emergency Management BC to address the situation as it evolves.
A State of Local Emergency will be declared to authorize City staff and contractors to access private property and other resources as needed. A controlled release of excess water will be undertaken as soon as possible to reduce the water to a manageable level.
The City of Williams Lake will continue to monitor the situation from its Emergency Operations Centre and will provide updates as they are available.
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Emergency Operations Centre Contact:
Erick Peterson, Emergency Operations Centre Director
eoc.director@williamslake.ca
Phone: 250-392-2364
City Hall: 250-392-2311