Damaged culvert over Cache Creek near the Fire Station, located near the properties identified for expropriation. (Image Credit: Google Maps)
Flood Recovery

Cache Creek announces plans to expropriate two properties to address ‘persistent’ flood risks

Jun 20, 2025 | 10:48 AM

CACHE CREEK, B.C. — The Village of Cache Creek has begun the process to expropriate two properties along the Trans Canada Highway as part of a larger project to address persistent flood risks.

Mayor John Ranta says the two properties — 1153 and 1191 Trans-Canada Highway, near the Cache Creek Fire Hall — were identified as essential components in the next phase of flood mitigation efforts following the floods of 2023.

“This decision was not made lightly,” Ranta said. “After reviewing all options, this is the least impact overall financially that still allows us to move forward in a way that protects residents, businesses and public infrastructure.”

Location of 1153 and 1191 Trans-Canada Highway in proximity with Cache Creek (thin blue line). (Image Credit: TNRD)

Ranta told CFJC Today that the property at 1191 Trans-Canada Highway is currently vacant and that it formerly housed a gas station. The property at 1153 Trans-Canada Highway is home to Castle Suites.

“I think there are roughly 10 residents in that property presently. We’ll need to relocate them,” Ranta added. “That is going to have to be addressed at some point. I believe it is a four-month notice required when property is expropriated.”

Over the past decade, Cache Creek has endured numerous floods in the area between Quartz Road and the Bonaparte River. Following the 2023 flood — which also damaged the nearby bridge along Highway 97 — the village identified the narrow channel and the culvert near the affected properties as “key barriers” that prevent water from flowing properly.

“Our intention is to redirect Cache Creek so that it’s not in such a narrow channel and flowing through those culverts any more,” Ranta said. “We need to expropriate the properties so that we can change the channel a little further south from where it is presently which should mitigate any future flooding.”

Ranta said the culvert along Quartz Road, which remains unavailable forcing firefighters to take the long way around if they have to access the Trans Canada Highway, is “the most complex and problematic section of the creek corridor.”

Detour route taken by firefighters in Cache Creek due to lack of culvert along Quartz Road. (Image Credit: Google Maps)

No other details have been released at this time, but the village said it will begin one-on-one discussions about timelines and impacts with tenants and occupants in the coming weeks and months.

A total price tag has not been revealed and Ranta said he hopes the province will also step up and help the village cover the costs.

“We are also actively exploring funding options to minimize the impact on municipal taxpayers as we complete this important work,” Ranta said. “It’s in the province’s interest because if Cache Creek erodes any more, it will begin to affect Highway 1.”

Ranta also said the expropriation work is being done in accordance with provincial legislation, though people can stop by the village office or reach out to mayor and council if they have questions.

“We’re happy to consult with people,” Ranta added. “Our goal is to move forward in a way that is transparent, coordinated and fair.”