The Colulmbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) is continuing to work with the province to shore up the banks of Newsome Creek in Sorrento as erosion is now threatening nearby homes and affecting water quality. 

In partnership with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MoTT), the CSRD is making improvements around the creek that, since 2016, has had runoff degrading the steep banks to the point where it's undermining the foundations of several homes and posing a risk to other properties. 

Additionally, runoff from Newsome has put an additional strain on the Sorrento Water System due to increased sediment near the water intake. The system was recently put on a Water Quality Advisory due to the high sediment levels potentially disrupting the disinfection systems. 

"We are hopeful that by working together with the Ministry, we can provide the affected residents some additional safety and peace-of-mind," CSRD general manager, community and protective services, Derek Sutherland said in a media release. "And also ensure better water quality for the community as a whole." 

A 2019 study, commissioned by the CSRD, showed extensive rehabilitation work would be needed to stabilize the creek slopes in the affected area. A key part of that mitigation work is the enlargement of a MoTT culvert along Highway 1 in that area. As part of the project, the CSRD is applying for grant funding to conduct bank stabilization and rebuild fish habitat in the creek.

"This has been a long process," Sutherland added. "And we look forward to being able to get the shovels in the ground on this one."