As rain moves in over Vancouver Island, the City of Nanaimo is preparing for the chance of flooding in lower-lying areas.
“Over the summer, the crews have been out doing condition assessments during repairs and hardening the storm infrastructure for the upcoming winter season,” said John Elliot, Director of Public Works. “Residents are asked to be cautious in extreme weather events, especially in low lying areas such as the basin of Cinnabar valley, along Buttercups Marsh, the Cat Stream, Chase River, Millstone River, and the foreshore.”
City Public Works staff and contractors will start cleaning the City’s stormwater catch basins on the 7th. They will be cleaned for four weeks.
“Regular maintenance of stormwater infrastructure helps divert pollutants from waterways, and ensures rainwater can drain away quickly,” says Bill Sims, General Manager for Engineering and Public Works. “Maintenance also supports the City’s asset management goals by identifying any deficiencies that may need repairing. Residents can help ensure good drainage by clearing leaves away from catch basins and private drains.”
Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are asked to watch for crews and traffic control personnel on the roads as they pull off grates and vacuum the inside. Residents are asked to keep their catch basins clear, and if they have difficulty doing so for any reason, they’re asked to call 250-758-5222.
“We’ve also got free sandbags at 2020 Labieux Road,” says Elliot, “we just ask that you bring your own shovel and check in with the Admin office and we’ll get you set up with some sandbags.”
A tutorial on how to clean a catch basin is available here.
Last November, Nanaimo had around six inches of water pooled in some low-lying areas, but was otherwise fine. Meanwhile, flooding had caused one of the biggest highways on the island to shut down with major delays.
Rain has not been major this year so far.
