Upper Nicola Band prepares for flooding as Nicola River rises

McLeod says his community has been preparing for evacuations.

“We’re expecting the lake to be at capacity probably this weekend or early next week and then when it gets to capacity then we’ll start worrying about our families on the flats down here.”

Flooding isn’t new to the First Nations community. In 2017, Nicola Lake spilled its banks, flooding the community.

“It was a sign that we have to be better prepared to ensure that we’re paying attention to the weather, paying attention to snowpack and the water as it makes its way down here,” McLeod said.

The Band has set out approximately 12,000 sand bags and 25 mega bags, but flooding preparations have been complicated by the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

“It does create a lot of work and put a lot of pressure on a small group of people to ensure that we’re being safe during COVID and now with high water,” McLeod said.

Stump Lake is also high. The water has come up over Highway 5A, which is now closed between Merritt and Kamloops.

Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure says there is no estimated time of re-opening and maintenance contractor Yellowhead Road & Bridge (YRB) is working out a plan to restore access.

Stump Lake doesn’t threaten the Upper Nicola Band, but McLeod is taking note.

“It shows us that there’s a lot of dialogue, a lot of putting our heads together to find a way on how we can not prevent, but to ensure that we understand what’s going to happen with the water when it does hit us,” he said.

In 2018, the Upper Nicola Band was one of five First Nations communities to enter into partnership with the provincial government to manage the Nicola Watershed.

“With us working with the province we’re going to find a way on how we can support one another to ensure that this is taken care of.”

by Jill Sperling

Upper Nicola Band prepares for flooding as Nicola River rises

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