Flooding Emergency Response Updates

Central Saanich is expecting approximately 20-40mm of rainfall tonight, and possibly another 10mm tomorrow. Stay informed with the latest emergency response news in BC. Our Emergency Program is closely monitoring the current situation and working with the province, all other local governments, including the Wsanec nations. If you have questions or need to report something to the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), please email emergencyprogram@csaanich.ca.

Steps everyone should take

  • Residents can report clogged storm drains or other non-emergency issues to Public Works at 250-544-4224.
  • Please drive carefully and stay off the roads if possible during heavy rain events. Drive BC is a good source of information for road statuses.
  • Residents are advised to stay away from water bodies that pose a threat.
  • Be vigilant around trees as heavy rain followed by the wind can bring trees down. 
  • The District has a self-serve sandbag station across the road from the Public Works Yard, 1703 Keating X Rd. If you need assistance with sandbags, please call Public Works.
  • Store valuables and important items or documents in water-tight containers or in higher places, like on a tall shelf or upper floor.
  • Clean your gutters regularly.
  • Keep nearby storm drains clear of debris. (Do you own a business or building with a catch basin? Please clear debris from nearby, as seen here)
  • Minimize wastewater flow in the water/sewer system by conserving water where possible during heavy rain events.
  • During heavy rain events, it is advised residents avoid entering the waters along the shoreline, as the wastewater may pose a health risk. For current CRD alerts, see: https://www.crd.bc.ca/about/alerts-notices

Resources

What the District is doing

In addition to sharing public safety information, the District is taking proactive measures to help manage the impacts of rainfall, including:

  • Providing a sandbag station (1703 Keating X Rd) and assistance to community
  • Ensuring that our critical catch basins and drainage intakes are clear and in good condition
  • Having crews out in full force, throughout the storm event, to inspect and clear catch basins and culverts with a priority focus on known problem areas and to deal with other reported issues as required
  • Monitoring water levels along creeks
  • Having additional crews and equipment on standby and ready to respond to emerging situations, such as supporting sewer systems with pump trucks when needed
  • Conducting annual tree assessments to remove hazardous trees from public spaces

_____

November 19, 2021

Emergency Management BC has released information on Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) for home owners, residential tenants, small business owners, farmers, charitable organizations and local government bodies, who were unable to obtain insurance to cover these disaster-related losses.  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/evacuee-guidance/disaster-financial-assistance

The Province of British Columbia has created a support page with information and links relating to financial assistance, guidance and risk management resources. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/small-business/supports-for-businesses-impacted-by-disasters(External link)

Destination BC has a webpage containing additional information relating to tourism operations and travel guidance. https://www.destinationbc.ca/what-we-do/destination-management/emergency-preparedness/

November 17, 2021

The public is asked not to buy more gas than is needed. The local situation is not a supply chain issue, and the run on the pumps is creating traffic and safety issues on the roads. The Central Saanich Police Service reminds drivers to respect all traffic laws; do not block intersections, flow of traffic and exercise patience and courtesy. Our officers are aware of current congestion and are working to ensure public safety and effective traffic flow. 

The B.C. government has declared a state of emergency effective noon PT Wednesday; the declaration will give the government greater flexibility to help keep goods moving, as major road closures have hampered the supply chain.

Emcon is asking drivers to steer clear of the Malahat unless it’s for essential travel. https://twitter.com/EmconSouthVI

Four extra round trip sailings will be added to the Mill Bay-Brentwood Bay BC Ferries route tonight due to the Malahat Highway closure. From Brentwood Bay: 7:30pm, 8:40pm, 9:50pm & 11:00pm From Mill Bay: 8:05pm, 9:15pm, 10:25pm & 11:35pm. The ferry schedule is expected to return to normal on Novermber 18. Each ferry takes approximately 20 vehicles.

___

November 16, 2021

The District's Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is aware of the ferry traffic in Brentwood Bay. The situation is being monitored and the EOC has been in contact with BC Ferries. Additional crew have been sourced and the MV Klitsa will be adding 4 additional trips from Brentwood Bay to Mill Bay. For more information please visit their website.

Regular scheduled service will resume on November 17 with the 7:30 am sailing departing Brentwood Bay.

The washroom at Verdier Park is open.

The Malahat will be closed from 7 pm to 6 am tonight and from 6 pm to 6 am November 17-22. During the daytime, the highway is open to single-lane alternating traffic for 30-minute intervals. Drivers should expect major delays and consider limiting travel for essential purposes only.

For up to date road closure information, please visit www.DriveBC.ca

_____

November 15, 2021

BRENTWOOD/MILL BAY FERRY PASSENGERS:

Volunteers from Brentwood Bay Search and Rescue (SAR) are coming by and handing out blankets and water to those in line.

If you have the need/ability to leave the line, there is a temporary reception centre with a washroom and hot drinks at the Brentwood Bay Community Hall at 7082 Wallace Drive. It will be open until 2 a.m.

Thank you to volunteers from the Brentwood Hall, Peninsula Emergency Measures Organization, SAR and ESS.