Nicola Diversion Channel Upgrades

The City of West Kelowna planned to upgrade an existing diversion channel at a remote site an hour east of Traders Cove. The diversion functions to partially direct water from Alocin Creek into a man-made channel. This channel eventually spills into a complex of wetlands and reservoirs that provide drinking water for the City. The diversion was determined to be at risk of failure so engineering plans were produced by Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd. (KWL) to upgrade it. The project involved the following activities:

• Construction of a temporary bridge (on site) to allow machine crossing over Alocin Creek
• Vegetation/debris removal, re-sloping, and trenching along the channel banks
• Installation of riprap in areas of high erosion risk
• Construction of a French Drain to control seepage
• Installation of a custom poly liner along 70m of channel
• Installation of gravel along the length of the liner, tied into existing substrate downstream
• Reseeding and rehabilitation of disturbed areas post-construction

Cabin was contracted to implement the channel upgrades and rehab measures, as well as provide environmental monitoring services. The project took place between May and August 2022. Cabin worked closely with city staff and KWL engineers to address water management issues and brainstorm solutions. Although this project faced many challenges from inclement weather, site saturation, and slope instability, the project was ultimately a success. This project showcases Cabin’s ability to cooperate with stakeholders, come up with innovative solutions and persevere through difficult site conditions, and prioritize environmental protection throughout construction. The project was completed on time and on budget.