Mayor thanks volunteers, urges consideration for others

Kelowna mayor Colin Basran has offered some key messaging to the public following the influx in recent days of evacuees from flooding emergencies across the wider region.

In a video address, Basran applauded the tireless volunteer efforts of Regional Emergency Support Services that have so far helped provide assistance for more than 1,200 evacuees from Merritt, Princeton and Tulameen.

He noted how the city had benefited many times from support given during natural disasters and “… this time we’re in a position to help others.

“Kelowna, unfortunately, knows all too well the many challenges natural disasters create,” he said. “We also know how much the thousands of kind acts, large and small, help neighbours and strangers get through a crisis.”

Supply shortages

Commenting on the limited supply of some products because of the closure of highways from the Lower Mainland to the Interior, Basran urged the public to be considerate.

“I urge people to be patient and considerate of others. This is not a time to panic. It’s a time to be considerate to your neighbours and others in our community who don’t have the ability or resources to stockpile supplies."

Basran said the best way to help the hundreds of evacuees temporarily calling Kelowna home was to support local charities, particularly food banks, to help with the increase in demand for food and other products.

For the complete video message click here.