I had a long discussion with staff at the Ministry of  Environment (Penticton) about the mess caused by the wind storm. They assure me they and their Debris Contractor have been constantly at work on the Okanagan River Channel Right-of-Ways and Drop Structures. Their priorities in this order is as follows: all danger trees and branches, hazards to Dike and Drop structures, clearing trail (some sections have been blocked off until they get to them), trees that threaten farm areas and private properties, and finally general clean up. They still have a lot to do and are concerned that some clean up might not happen until later due to budgetary constraints. This is a very expensive operation and I think that we should have our Parks and Rec staff look at minimal improvements only once MoE has finished with their work. This was a severe wind storm and it caused much damage – I know since it cost me thousands of dollars in lost crop, tree support and irrigation infrastructure and likely many other orchardists and farmers in the area too. I do believe they are doing the best job possible under the circumstances. For further information or requests for work to be done on Crown Right-of-Ways contact the Ministry.

Allan Patton, Electoral Area C RDOS Director