Rising river levels in Kamloops displacing homeless

A week of rainy weather and late freshet melt has pushed the Thompson River levels up about a metre, removing most beaches and river areas.

This is forcing homeless campers living along the riverbanks to find higher ground or access homeless shelters, a move that happens every spring.

Homeless campers can either set up temporary overnight shelters at higher elevation areas designated by the city, or seek spaces at a variety of local shelters. For those who choose to access shelters during the rainy season, they may not be able to get a bed due to an ongoing shortage of shelter spaces.

“Historically this happens every year,” said executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Alfred Achoba. “There is an ongoing need for shelter in our community especially during high river levels and hot temperature times.

“We are just starting to see river levels rising and took a walk along the banks in two locations yesterday and saw the homeless were taking their camps apart.”

Many people in Kamloops are without a sheltered bed to sleep on overnight, according to data accumulated in the 2021 Point in Time count. Last year 206 people were identified as homeless and 136 emergency shelter beds were available.

READ MORE: City of Kamloops to announce new 'shelter solutions' in coming weeks

Achoba said responses to these events where more beds and shelters are needed are typically short-term, where long-term solutions are needed.

“We are still short of shelter beds and are working to make more available as soon as possible,” he said. “We have already brought this up as an issue we are tracking. It is up to the city and B.C. Housing to create more shelter spaces.”

Those living rough who choose to camp must adhere to several rules or risk having their shelters taken away by community service officers.

The temporary shelters can consist of a tent or other shelter constructed from a tarp, plastic, or cardboard and can only be set up between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. in warmer months, and longer in the winter.

Shelters may only cover an area of less than 10 m² and must be free of garbage and excessive clutter, and fires and smoking are not permitted.

READ MORE: Grass fire near TRU sparked by homeless camp: Kamloops Fire Rescue

The City of Kamloops is urging all residents to stay back from waterways as water volume and speed can change rapidly with snow melt and increased precipitation, according to a news post on the city's website released on June 3, 2022.

“It’s easy to underestimate the power of rushing water, and we want to make sure residents stay safe this spring,” said Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Cail in the post. “Flooded creeks and streams are unpredictable. Even though the surface water may be smooth, the water is moving very fast. Never attempt to drive or walk in flood water.”

A mere six inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult and two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pickup trucks.

READ MORE: Sunshine early this week in Kamloops and Okanagan but more rain on the way

More rain is expected in Kamloops and the Okanagan as the week progresses.

Any residents experiencing localized flooding or water issues are advised to call 250-828-3461. Sand and sandbags are also available at fire stations throughout the city. 

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