Monday, December 29, 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

CMHC re-assessing policies through a racialized lens to eliminate discrimination

CMHC re-assessing policies through a racialized lens to eliminate discrimination
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. acknowledged a lack of diversity in its ranks and its role in past racism on Friday as it pledged to overhaul how it does business.

CMHC re-assessing policies through a racialized lens to eliminate discrimination

Canada rebuts UN Security Council critics as Champagne to NYC for final push

Canada rebuts UN Security Council critics as Champagne to NYC for final push
Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne is bound for New York City to join the final push for Canada's campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Canada rebuts UN Security Council critics as Champagne to NYC for final push

Feds, farmers, remain far apart over impact of carbon tax on grain growers

Feds, farmers, remain far apart over impact of carbon tax on grain growers
The federal government says its analysis of the impact the carbon tax is having on grain farmers is based on numbers provided by the farmers themselves.

Feds, farmers, remain far apart over impact of carbon tax on grain growers

Sleeping in, showering less. BC Hydro says power use changes since pandemic

Sleeping in, showering less. BC Hydro says power use changes since pandemic
The latest report on electricity usage in British Columbia reveals the COVID-19 pandemic has created an atmosphere where every day feels like a Saturday. BC Hydro says overall power usage hasn't changed much but a survey of 500 people shows daily routines have shifted dramatically since mid-March when pandemic-related closures began.

Sleeping in, showering less. BC Hydro says power use changes since pandemic

Toys "R" Us wins case against B.C. cannabis dispensary with similar branding

Toys
A Vancouver cannabis dispensary is going to need a new name and logo after losing a legal battle with retailer Toys "R" Us (Canada) Ltd. A federal judge ruled Herbs "R" Us Wellness Society has used Toys R Us's registered trademark in a way that damages the goodwill attached to it.

Toys "R" Us wins case against B.C. cannabis dispensary with similar branding

Premier says defunding police 'simplistic' but B.C. will review Police Act

Premier says defunding police 'simplistic' but B.C. will review Police Act
British Columbia's premier says calls for defunding police are a simplistic approach to a complex problem. John Horgan says police are increasingly burdened with a range of challenges in areas including homelessness, mental health and addiction — which need more funding.

Premier says defunding police 'simplistic' but B.C. will review Police Act