Tuesday, December 30, 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

Senior Punjabi NRI couple from Canada murdered in Phagwara

Senior Punjabi NRI couple from Canada murdered in Phagwara
A NRI couple from Canada was allegedly murdered with sharp weapons at their home in Onkar Nagar on Saturday night. The SSP said the deceased couple has been identified as Kirpal Singh Minhas (67) and his wife Davinder Kaur (65).

Senior Punjabi NRI couple from Canada murdered in Phagwara

Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) honored to accept in-kind donations in the amount of nearly $100,000 from IKEA Canada.

Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) honored to accept in-kind donations in the amount of nearly $100,000 from IKEA Canada.
Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) has been honored to accept in-kind donations in the amount of nearly $100,000 from IKEA Canada. This initiative is part of IKEA’s commitment to provide approximately $2.3M in product and supply donations to support local communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) honored to accept in-kind donations in the amount of nearly $100,000 from IKEA Canada.

Vancouver's Punjabi market marks its 50th anniversary on May 31

Vancouver's Punjabi market marks its 50th anniversary on May 31
Vancouver's iconic Punjabi Market on Main Street celebrates its 50th anniversary as a symbol of heritage and culture in the Lower Mainland. 

Vancouver's Punjabi market marks its 50th anniversary on May 31

Trump announces he is cutting ties with WHO and yanking special privileges from Hong Kong

Trump announces he is cutting ties with WHO and yanking special privileges from Hong Kong
United States President Donald Trump and his administration announced Friday he is severing ties with the World Health Organization (WHO) for its failure to carry out reforms and said the annual contribution of $450 million will be forwarded to other prganizations around the world.

Trump announces he is cutting ties with WHO and yanking special privileges from Hong Kong

Students decry tuition hikes as COVID-19 pandemic increases financial strain

Students decry tuition hikes as  COVID-19 pandemic increases financial strain
TORONTO - Some Canadian universities are raising tuition fees for the new school year much to the consternation of students, who argue their costs should be going down, not up in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students decry tuition hikes as COVID-19 pandemic increases financial strain

Public Parks and School Playgrounds open June 1

Public Parks and School Playgrounds open June 1
Effective June 1, 125 playgrounds throughout the City’s park system and all playgrounds within the Surrey School district’s 101 elementary schools will be re-opened.

Public Parks and School Playgrounds open June 1