Idlewild Lake continues to slowly drain, alleviating concerns of a potential dam breach that could inundate up to 21% of the City of Cranbrook.

The draw down began April 29, a purposely slow process, the city explained in the spring, as close monitoring is needed to ensure the reduced water level does not negatively affect the existing aquatic life or send any excess sediment down Joseph Creek. Another draw down is planned in late summer.

City of Cranbrook Mayor and Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board director Lee Pratt spent a couple of minutes briefing fellow directors about the current situation at the city park August 7.

“It is progressing. The city is on top of it,” he said, outlining some issues that have been faced.

“A valve on a chute broke at the bottom. We had to get a diver to go down and find out what was wrong. That held things up a bit,” Pratt told the board, adding there are some lingering issues with provincial government ministries that are being addressed, including one with painted turtles.

“We are anxiously waiting for the yes on your grant application,” he said, referencing when the city could begin to consider replacing Idlewild Dam.

Pratt noted he’s hopeful that community groups and organizations will come aboard as the process continues to help the city bring the lake and park back up to speed.

“Area C will be on board for that,” responded RDEK Electoral Area C Director and Board Chair Rob Gay.

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