Resiliency Centre closes November 17, recovery continues
The long-term nature of post-disaster recovery doesn’t end with the closure of the Resiliency Centre. The information below is to aid in navigating the rebuilding process in addition to accessing contacts for agencies, organizations and non-profit/NGO groups that may be of assistance.
Residents rebuilding of their homes are advised to work closely with their local jurisdiction.
For RDCO residents, please find building and inspection information below.
Westbank First Nation: Business Development and Building
City of West Kelowna: Building Department
Sign up for wildfire recovery updates
Subscribe for email updates about recovery in your community, under the heading eNewsletter - Corporate, McDougall Creek Wildfire Recovery. Read past updates:
- Sept. 29, 2023 - eNewsletter No. 1
- Oct. 13, 2023 - eNewsletter No. 2
- Oct. 27, 2023 - eNewsletter No. 3
- Nov. 17, 2023 - eNewsletter No. 4
Resources
A returning home guide for residents who are able to return to their homes has been developed to support re-entry into their communities, which includes topics such as insurance, cleaning, debris management and rebuilding information.
For historical reference of the Emergency Operations Centre's news releases on evacuation orders, alerts and rescindments during the Grouse Complex Wildfire, visit cordemergency.ca
After a wildfire, supports for well-being |
If you are experiencing feelings of tremendous loss and anxiety, you do not have to go through this alone. There are resources available to help provide coping strategies and support to manage stress, worry and well-being. Wellness Together Canada provides immediate assistance in a mental health crisis and provides a list of resources for all ages affected by the wildfire. Visit their website or download the counselling and crisis support contact list to speak to a professional counsellor. Services are free and confidential any time of the day. You can also text for crisis support:
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Area risk assessments |
Provincial post-wildfire natural hazards risk analysis – looks at the impacts of the wildfire in areas such as water repellant (hydrophobic) soils which could result in slide/land slippage in any heavy rainfall or spring freshet event.
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BC Hydro |
In the event of wildfire and during recovery, stay away from and do not touch BC Hydro infrastructure (lines, poles, towers, hydro boxes, etc.). Assume that these may be energized and may cause harm. For any billing inquiries, contact BC Hydro customer service at 1-800-BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376). BC Hydro also offers help for evacuees. |
Building and redevelopment |
Regional District of Central Okanagan It's important for affected property owners with fire damage to contact our staff to make an application. For residents of RDCO, property file requests and other building related questions can be directed to rdco.com/requests.
See the step-by-step building permit and demolition permit process map. |
Danger trees |
Trees with visible damage
Marked trees
Felled trees
Insurance and trees
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Debris management |
Debris Waste Management Plan describes the types of wastes considered in the plan, such as green waste, tree waste, construction/renovation/demolition debris, bulky solid waste, concrete, metals, white goods, hazardous waste goods, and e-waste. The purpose of the Plan is provide direction to manage the extra load on the solid waste facilities and protect the environment. The health and safety of residents and workers is paramount. Information outlined describes where wildfire debris wastes can be recycled or disposed of, and what requirements and conditions apply for each waste stream. The plan also explains the landfill requirements for fire damaged debris containing controlled materials, and the need to follow WorksafeBC and environmental regulations. Read the Debris Waste Management Plan.
Please reference the City of Kelowna's website before bringing fire damaged waste to the landfill. This information includes restrictions and contact information for disposal of construction, renovation or demolition of fire damaged debris. Visit kelowna.ca/landfill for details.
Open: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday from 7:30 am – 4 pm (gate closes at 3:50 pm) Accepted Materials:
Not Accepted:
For more information and rates at this facility, please visit rdco.com/recycle, email recycle@rdco.com or call the Regional Waste Reduction Office at 250-469-6250. |
Emergency Support Services |
Read the latest news letter from Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) ESS Fall 2023 newsletter. Highlights include the hosting of a series of engagement sessions, including with communities and partner organizations from across the province to inform future program improvements. These sessions will be designed to assist in actioning the Ombudsperson’s report, "Fairness in a Changing Climate: Ensuring disaster Supports are accessible, equitable and adaptable" and gather information to be shared with the expert Task Force and capture learnings from the 2023 wildfire season. |
Fire retardant clean up |
For more information on fire retardant clean up, check out details provided by BC Wildfire. |
Insurance |
You can visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) for more information on Wildfire insurance or call 1-844-227-5422. The General Insurance Ombudservice (GIO) is an organization that works with customers who have concerns/complaints regarding their insurer to help get those resolved. It’s a national organization that provides free and impartial support – its independent from the insurance industry. Visit their website to learn more. |
Provincial recovery information |
The Province has information on how to recover after a wildfire. |
Roads |
In Electoral Area West, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is responsible for roads including safety and maintenance.
In West Kelowna and Westbank First Nation areas:
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Returning home guide |
Residents affected by the wildfire will have different timelines when they can return home. The Returning Home Information guide will help residents safely return to areas damaged by wildfire. Find contact information, tip sheets and FAQs. |
Canadian Red Cross |
The Canadian Red Cross is providing support for the 2023 British Columbia Fires. It's important for any affected resident to register in order to receive assistance. You can do that online, or by calling 1-800-863-6582. |
Central Okanagan Food Bank |
The Central Okanagan Food Bank provides food and other assistance to those needing help regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, income source, age, and mental or physical ability. To register visit COFB online: cofoodbank.com/newclient or call 250-763-7161. |
Habitat for Humanity |
Habitat for Humanity Okanagan is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Canada, a national, non-profit organization working towards a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. Habitat for Humanity’s model empowers families to invest in home ownership. Through donated labour, efficient management and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses. Office phone number: 778 755-4346 Address: 1793 Ross Rd, West Kelowna, BC |
Salvation Army |
The Salvation Army is an international Christian Organization and the largest non- governmental provider of social services in Canada. The Westside Salvation Army is the local branch, serving the communities of Westbank, West Kelowna and Peachland. As of September 2023, The Westside Salvation Army has hired a Fire Recovery Caseworker to support households negatively affected by the McDougall Creek Wildfire. Supports include grocery and gas gift cards, clothing vouchers, linens, new mattresses, spiritual and emotional care, resource navigation, as well as financial relief grants. To access these supports please call our Fire Recovery Casework Team at 250-258-2990 or visit www.WestsideSA.ca for more information |
Samaritan's Purse |
Samaritan's Purse a non-governmental organization that mobilizes specialized staff and equipment as well as hundreds of volunteers when natural disasters occur on Canadian soil. |
Wildlife |
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Media inquiries |
Media inquires can be directed to:
For previous news releases on the Grouse Complex Wildfire, visit cordemergency.ca |