Meet the ‘Gatekeeper of Okanagan Lake’

In the heart of the Okanagan Valley, one man stands firm against a gushing tide.

Meet Shaun Reimer, a Hydrotechnical Engineer who fearlessly commands the Okanagan Lake dam, orchestrating a symphony of water during the tumultuous flood season.

For over two decades, Reimer has skillfully maneuvered lake and river levels, earning him the title of the ‘Gatekeeper of Okanagan Lake.’ He has worked directly with the dam since 2015 but has managed lake and river levels in public service since 1995.

“I have many roles, but at this time of year, the focus of my position is to operate and maintain the dams and dikes along the Okanagan River,” Reimer told Kelowna10. “And as well as attempting to achieve certain seasonal target levels on Okanagan Lake and in the river as well.”

An early snowpack melt brings an early peak to freshet season, the annual high-water event caused by runoff from winter snow.

Reimer said this can complicate his operations, as with all the water rushing into the lake at once, it doesn’t give him much time to let water out of the dam.

Navigating the water is not the only challenge Reimer faces.

He must also brave the tempestuous sea of public opinion, as concerned citizens voice their worries about potential flooding. With a kind and understanding soul, Reimer empathizes with their anxiety.

“Generally, it’s a very stressful situation for them if they’re being flooded or in any way impacted due to high water,” he said. “But in the larger picture though, I have to look at multiple interests and again, you know, that there may be flooding on Okanagan Lake and I would like to send more water out. Again, I also have to take into account the potential flooding and impacts down south and along the Okanagan River as well.”

However, levels are starting to plateau according to what Reimer has seen.

“Right now, we've started to level off, and the last few days it's probably around or a little less than a centimeter per day,” Reimer explained. “And as of today, we're about 17 to 18 centimeters below our full pool target that we try to achieve at the end of June.”