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Metro Vancouver seeks public's input after dam tragedy

Deadly dam error in October 2020 prompts safety changes that include warning signs and public alarms
cleveland-dam
The Cleveland Dam gushes water with its spillway gate partially open. | Mike Wakefield, North Shore News files

This story has been amended since first posting to correct an error in the date the survey closes. It is July 30, not June 30.

Metro Vancouver has begun taking public input on a host of safety changes being made on the Capilano River in the wake of last year’s Cleveland Dam tragedy.

The regional government has launched a survey seeking nearby residents’ and visitors’ thoughts on how they use the river, what they think of warning signs and public alarms already installed, whether they would sign up for a phone SMS warning system, and what public education efforts Metro should make going forward.

Metro is aiming to begin testing the alarms during the week of May 24.

On Oct. 1 of last year, an error in a maintenance project at the dam sent a torrent of water into the river below. A North Vancouver father and son were swept in and died.

The survey will remain live until July 30, at which time the results will be compiled and reviewed by Metro Vancouver staff, who will then work on longer-term solutions for safety on the river.

Cleveland Dam Safety Enhancement Program from Metro Vancouver on Vimeo.