Cache Creek trailer park owner responsible for flood mitigation measures: B.C. government

CACHE CREEK, B.C. – The Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resources says it is not responsible for protecting a Cache Creek mobile home park from erosion that’s occurred along the Bonaparte River this spring.

The Riverside Mobile Home Park in Cache Creek has dealt with flooding issues in recent years, and this year in particular the erosion along the banks has increased.

“The protection of private property from erosion along a watercourse is the responsibility of the land owner,” a ministry spokesperson said in an email response to CFJC Today.

Park owner Chloe Gravelle has been lobbying the province for rip rap to save a handful of trailers along the river. Gravelle told CFJC Today it would cost about $117,000 to put in rip rap along the river’s edge at the park.

At least one of the trailers is hanging over the edge of the Bonaparte and is at serious risk. Other people’s properties have been eaten away from erosion from this year’s high water.

The ministry stated, however, it hasn’t received a formal request for support from Gravelle, who is planning a trip to Victoria next week. The province says given it’s on private property, it is limited in the assistance it can provide.

“[We] can provide support to local governments if critical infrastructure is at risk and urgent action is required, but the province does not provide direct support, or compensation to address the erosion of property,” said a spokesperson.