The City of Kamloops is preparing for the North Thompson River to peak sometime this week.

Utility maintenance supervisor Joe Luison says the South Thompson River expected to peak within two weeks after that.

In the meantime, Luison says the city is installing about 400 metres of Hesko baskets filled with sand today at MacArthur Island, to protect infrastructure in the park.

Parking lots will be closed at Mac Island while the city is working, but the Island Parkway is still open to foot traffic.

“We are currently working within the road section that was closed due to the COVID restrictions. So pedestrians can still walk around, we have the path along the Slew’s Edge still open. The only area restricted is the one roadway, and it’ll probably be up and back running by Wednesday.”

He says the city will take further efforts if needed to protect against flooding.

“Currently with the levels forecast, we do have two other plans that may need to be introduced, but at this point, the Hesko barriers at MacArthur Island will wrap up this week’s work.”

Meanwhile, the City will be closing the parking lot at the Sandman Centre on Wednesday, until further notice.