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Local state of emergency extended into next week for Hope

Continuing danger to some homes in area gives mayor concern as work carries on
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Houses along the Coquihalla River, such as these ones as of Nov. 29, remain in danger as winter weather sets in for the weekend. (Jessica Peters/ Hope Standard)

The local state of emergency has been extended for a week in Hope.

Mayor Peter Robb said he requested the extension because there are still homes at risk in the area.

“Our Emergency Operations Centre is still up and running and continues to monitor high risk areas,” he said in a statement to the public Friday. “District staff and myself are in communication with the Federal and Provincial governments for disaster financial assistance and build better funding. We will continue to have those properties on flood alert remain on alert. As we have one property on evacuation order, and there is a small chance others could be issued, I have requested an extension of our State of Local Emergency for seven more days.”

There are nearly 200 homes on evacuation alert throughout Hope, in two main areas. One area is along the Coquihalla River, and the other is in the Silver Skagit area.

The weather is changing around the province this weekend, with a drop in temperatures. In Hope, the temperatures will drop below zero. Snow is expected Friday night through Saturday.

Despite the weather change, Robb said restoration work is pushing ahead and continue to be a priority. He also urged residents to stay safe.

“When we look out now, along the banks of the Coquihalla River, we will see changes to the topography that will now be permanent,” he said. “The Coquihalla river banks remain unsafe, so please avoid these areas as conditions can change rapidly. Also try to give work crews as much space as possible along the river.

“We are all curious about what the work looks like but we need to let them get on with it.”

He also passed along “continued thanks” to community members and First Nation neighbours, who have supported staff throughout the emergency situtations of the past weeks.

“We are on the road to recovery, albeit now with snow shovels,” he said.

For up-to-date information on the situation in Hope, visit www.hope.ca.

READ MORE: Snowfall warning in place for Hope, Coquihalla and Hope-Princeton


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jessica.peters@hopestandard.com

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Jessica Peters

About the Author: Jessica Peters

I began my career in 1999, covering communities across the Fraser Valley ever since.
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