The City Engineer has taken a number of measures to mitigate the effects of flooding and prepare for the response, should flooding occur.
Mark Winterton, City Engineer adds the following update related to high water levels:
As a result of historical flooding in the 1970's and 1980's berming was constructed along the south side of Riverside Dr from City limits to approximately Lauzon Rd.
Little River Channel was improved in the 1980's with a substantial dyke construction.
With the development of East Riverside in the 1990's, a Barrier Landform was constructed to an ERCA regulated Flood elevation.
With high water levels in 2019, the City used it's Lidar technology to map and identify and low spots vulnerable to flooding between City Limits and George Ave.
All catch basins were mapped and staked.
The City purchased approx. 100,000 sandbags.
Vulnerable areas under City control such as Sandpoint Beach were sandbagged.
The City purchased a sandbag machine capable of filling thousands of sandbags per hour.
Gaps in the Little River Dykes were identified and filled.
A Public sandbag depot was opened for residents on the north side of Riverside Dr.
Contingency plans were developed for quick mobilization to identified low areas.
The Riverside Vista Ph 1B was completed raising 1970's berm to proper ERCA level between Riverdale and Watson.
The Sewer Master Plan scope of work was modified to consider the impact of high water levels.
East Riverside Flood Protection Risk Assessment was completed and integrated into the Sewer Master Plan and numerous public meetings have been held.
Surveyed the shoreline/breakwall from City limits to George to confirm Lidar information.
Confirmed that Contractor workforce is available to assist with flooding when required.
Additional Local 82 staff are available from the current staffing left.