Wednesday, December 24, 2025
ADVT 
National

Human error factor in fatal dam spill

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 08 Oct, 2020 06:47 PM
  • Human error factor in fatal dam spill

Metro Vancouver says human error is the clearest factor in the fatal release of water from a dam last week.

The preliminary findings were issued Thursday by Metro Vancouver commissioner Jerry Dobrovolny, who says the error was related to the programming of the control system for the spillway gate at the Cleveland Dam.

He says the Metro Vancouver regional district takes responsibility for the mistake and its deepest sympathies go out to those affected.

Five people who were fishing downstream were swept away when a large volume of water rushed from the dam down the Capilano River on Oct. 1.

The body of one man was pulled from the river and a second man hasn't been found, while the others were rescued.

A statement from Metro Vancouver says it is looking at implementing system enhancements, including a public warning system and increased monitoring downstream to the dam.

"Metro Vancouver is committed to ensuring that this type of event never happens again," the statement says.

The district says it is bringing in expert advisers to assess its practices and procedures, and to provide advice on strengthening its operations and maintenance systems.

It says the most recent safety review, which included an assessment of public safety measures, was in 2016.

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C. updates September return to school plans

B.C. updates September return to school plans
The British Columbia government is set to announce its updated plan for a safe return for public schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

B.C. updates September return to school plans

Vancouver resident finds lost teddy bear containing her mother's voice recording

Vancouver resident finds lost teddy bear containing her mother's voice recording
Mara Soriano has spent the last four days checking the alleys and dumpsters of Vancouver's West End, putting up posters and answering multitudes of emails and tweets, hoping she'd find a stolen teddy bear that carries her late mother's voice.

Vancouver resident finds lost teddy bear containing her mother's voice recording

Development and Construction Remain Strong in Surrey

Development and Construction Remain Strong in Surrey
More than $692 million in development projects were given approval to proceed by Surrey City Council at last night’s Regular Council – Land Use Meeting. The projects that were brought forward range from high rise residential towers, rental apartments, townhouses to industrial warehouses.

Development and Construction Remain Strong in Surrey

Ex-cop accused of sex charges dead: Quebec police

Ex-cop accused of sex charges dead: Quebec police
A retired Montreal police officer arrested in December on sex-related charges dating back to the 1970s, died before his case could go to trial, Longueuil police said Tuesday.

Ex-cop accused of sex charges dead: Quebec police

Charges laid against man for sexual assault and robbery in Whalley

Charges laid against man for sexual assault and robbery in Whalley
On July 24, 2020, a 30-year-old man, was arrested and taken into police custody. On Saturday, July 25, 2020, several charges were sworn in BC Provincial Court.

Charges laid against man for sexual assault and robbery in Whalley

B.C. tech companies get $3 million from feds

B.C. tech companies get $3 million from feds
British Columbia's small- and medium-sized technology businesses are getting some financial help from the federal government.

B.C. tech companies get $3 million from feds