Armstrong and Spallumcheen community updates; residents can prepare for flooding

Local communities are preparing for the possibility of spring flooding, and providing supplies for residents, while also continuing to respond to COVID-19 related issues.

Here are the latest community updates issued by Armstrong and Spallumcheen.

Armstrong

The City of Armstrong has set up a sandbagging station at the public works yard located at 2950 Patterson Avenue.

Other preparations include monitoring weather reports, valley bottom and mountain snowpack’s, creek levels, and ensuring culverts remain clear to help mitigate flood risk.

“The city appreciates residents who live near or next to creeks and drainage ditches keep them clear of debris by removing items that may be carried away in rising water that could then potentially create a blockage,” said a city news release. “We are working closely with the provincial government and our regional partners in maintaining our emergency program and response.”

The city remains open for business in a remote capacity, however in order to mitigate community spread of the COVID-19 virus, city facilities are closed to public access. Staff are available 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday to Friday by telephone, fax or email.

Utility Bills have been issued with an extended due date of June 1, 2020. The City has a new online payment process. Effective January 1, 2020 the City created separate Utility payee accounts with all financial institutions. When you make an online payment please ensure you are directing your payment to the City’s utility payee and use the appropriate utility account number. Other payment options include cheques made payable to the City that can be dropped off in the mail slot at City Hall or mailed.

Armstrong Council conducted their first virtual meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2020. Until further notice, meetings will be held remotely, if you would like to view the meeting live, please send a request to info@cityofarmstrong.bc.ca.

The Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations has issued a Province-wide Open Burning Prohibition that came into effect noon April 16, 2020 and will be in place until further notice (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/fire-bans-and-restrictions).

You can contact the City of Armstrong in the following ways: Email at info@cityofarmstrong.bc.ca Telephone at 250-546-3023 Fax at 250-546-3710 For up-to-date City of Armstrong information visit our website at www.cityofarmstrong.bc.ca

Spallumcheen

Any residents experiencing flooding, or those planning ahead with some preventative maintenance, ca access the township’s sandbagging station at the public works yard located at 1511 Eagle Rock Road.

Bags and sand are provided – please bring your own shovel.

Council continues to work with the province on flood mitigation measures.

Here are some other updates from the township:

Dust Control – Warmer weather also means dust! Dust control measures are scheduled to begin the week of May 11, 2020.

Traffic Delays – FortisBC FortisBC will be installing upgrades along Lansdowne Road and Hullcar Road over the next several weeks. Delays are expected to be minimal with single lane alternating traffic. Please obey all signage and be mindful of the crew members in the area.

Meighan Creek culvert project – Powerhouse Road The Meighan Creek Culvert Replacement project is well underway and is expected to continue through to mid-May.

During flooding events in 2017 and 2018, Meighan Creek experienced significant creek channel erosion and a loss of a portion of Powerhouse Road.

The culverts are being replaced as part of the Township of Spallumcheen’s Asset Management Plan and flood hazard mitigation works. The project consists of full culvert replacement, headwalls, channel armoring and road restoration.

The public should anticipate full road closure on Powerhouse Road at Meighan Creek, located 100 meters south of Demorest Road. Local traffic can access the south and north portions of Powerhouse Road via Highway 97.

All traffic going to the Armstrong/Spallumcheen Recycling and Disposal Facility should access it at the north end of Powerhouse Road.

Coffee with the mayor As Coffee with the Mayor is a valuable resource for the Township and our residents, these monthly meetings will resume on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at 10:30 am. As we continue to adhere to the social distancing requirements set out by the Provincial Health Officer, the Coffee with the Mayor meetings will be via electronic means until further notice. Please email the Township of Spallumcheen at mail@spallumcheentwp.bc.ca if you wish to attend virtually and an access code along with further instructions will be provided to you.

No open burning – COVID-19 Burning Ban Remains in Place (Campfires are permitted at this time) As of April 15, 2020 the Ministry of Environment has extended the Open Burning Prohibition in high sensitivity zones which includes the Township. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/air-landwater/air/advisories/2020-04-14_hssz_open_burning_restrictions_issued.pdf

The Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations has also issued a Province-wide Open Burning Prohibition that comes into effect on April 16, 2020 at noon and will be in place until further notice https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/fire-bans-and-restrictions Please contact the Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Department at 250-546-6708 for further information.