RDEK looking to hear from Cokato residents

With Cokato Rd outside Fernie still closed due to flooding and debris yet to be cleared, the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is asking any locals in the area that have been affected to reach out.

“There is a four-kilometre section of Cokato Road from one kilometre west of Robinson Road to the cattle-guard near Morrissey Road that is blocked on either end at this time, which affects egress for 36 properties,” said RDEK information office Loree Duczek.

“While we are waiting for more detailed information on how and when access can be restored, we want to hear from residents in that affected area. We are asking them to call the Information Line so that we can get contact information and a clearer idea of the impacts, if any, on their properties.” The information line is 1-855-346-2188.

According to the RDEK, they have requested an aerial assessment of the area in order to understand where damage has occurred, and they are coordinating with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI), and the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resources Operations and Rural Development to have experts in the air during the assessment.

MOTI and Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting have already mobility equipment and have been responding in several other locations in the Fernie area, where most damage has occurred following torrential rain over the weekend and into Monday.

According to locals in the Cokato area, they have been without power since midnight on Sunday.

Besides damage in the Cokato area, the RDEK also reported it was setting up a sandbag station in Hosmer, north of Fernie, on Monday afternoon.

“With additional rain in the forecast into tonight, when it may turn to snow, we are encouraging all residents of the East Kootenay to remain aware and prepared,” said Duzcek.

The RDEK has also set up a ‘Damage Assessment Report’ for property owners who have experience damage as a result of localized flooding.

“The goal of the Damage Assessment is to allow us to gain better situational data from around the region from people whose properties have been impacted during this heavy rainfall event,” said Duczek. A page has been set up for people to access and fill out the forms online at: engage.rdek.bc.ca/damagereport.

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