Image Credit: Kent Simmonds / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

EROSION DAMAGE

Westsyde resident concerned for safety, preservation of historic graves, as property erodes into river

Nov 29, 2023 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — A Kamloops woman is hoping something can be done to prevent more damage to her property, as large chunks of land continue to slide into the North Thompson River.

The erosion has been happening off-and-on for several years, but in the past week, Wendy Robertson says a massive landslide has taken place. The situation poses a safety hazard and is also threatening several historic gravesites on the property.

Every day, Robertson walks to the edge of her Dairy Road property to see how much more of it has slid into the North Thompson River.

“Well originally, it was supposed to be 14.7 acres we have. And now, between myself and my neighbour, we think I’ve probably lost about eight (acres),” Robertson told CFJC News.

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The erosion has been happening for years now, and this week even more of her land, fences and hayfield irrigation pipes have crumbled down.

“That’s all replaceable, but I mean, lives aren’t, right? It could’ve been anybody (who fell).”

Fortunately, Robertson says no animals or people have been injured, but she does worry about the ongoing safety hazard.

“I drove my big tractor with 1,000-pound round bales to take off the field through here — right here. We could’ve gone over the bank,” she explains while showing the extent of landslide damage. “We could’ve been down with my horses and my neighbours. We ride around there all the time.”

Robertson is also concerned that several historic gravesites on the property, dating back to the 1800s, will be washed away in the next landslide.

“That bank is getting closer to (the gravesite) and that’ll be gone, too. You know, I’ve protected that (gravesite) for 30 years.”

The hope is that the federal Fisheries and Oceans Department (DFO) will come out to assess the latest damage and provide some direction of what can be done.

“But it would cost millions of dollars to rip rap it. I don’t know how they can — you can’t prevent it. It’s the river. The way the river is coming, it hits the bank on my side and goes underneath and it’s erosion, right?”

However, Robertson isn’t sure if there is a simple fix.

“It’s heartbreaking. You work so hard and this happens, and it’s not the first time.”

CFJC Today has contacted DFO for comment but did not hear back by deadline. This story will be updated when DFO provides a statement.