Heavy rain that has caused flooding in many parts of Vancouver Island has also caused issues across Greater Victoria Saturday.
A wastewater discharge notice was put out by the Capital Regional District for some shorelines.
They say heavy rain caused combined stormwater and wastewater overflows along shorelines. Residents are advised to avoid entering the waters along the affected shorelines, as the wastewater may pose a health risk.
The areas impacted are:
- Between Fraser St and Victoria View Rd including Macaulay Point in Esquimalt.
- Between Radcliffe Ln and Cook St. including McNeill Bay and Gonzales Bay in Oak Bay and Ross Bay and Clover Point in Victoria
- Between Currie Rd and Cattle Point Lookout Rd including Willows Beach in Oak Bay
- Between Tarn Pl and Seaview Rd including Cadboro Bay in Saanich and Oak Bay
- Between Arbutus Cove Ln and Telegraph Bay Rd in Saanich
The CRD adds that beaches within the affected areas will be posted with public health advisory signs until sample results indicate enterococci levels are below the 70CFU/100mL recreational limit.
The heavy rain is being blamed on an “atmospheric river” which caused significant flooding for areas in the Cowichan Valley. The area declared a local state of emergency.
READ MORE: Flooding on Vancouver Island shuts down highways, state of emergency declared in Cowichan Valley
The district of Saanich says staff are continuing to respond to a backlog of calls due to flooding. They have brought in crews and hired contractors to assist with issues in the municipality following the rain.
There is a temporary trail closure on the Lochside Regional Trail between Quadra and Mackenzie Road due to unstable ground from the recent rain.
Esquimalt officials are telling residents who have experience flooding to contact their insurance provider. They are also asking anyone who may be seeing backup/flooding issues to call 250-414-7108.
Julian Kolsut
