Thursday, December 18, 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

Ontario pediatricians warn of flu shot 'crisis'

Ontario pediatricians warn of flu shot 'crisis'
An online petition by members of the Ontario Medical Association says there's already "unprecedented strong interest amongst parents for the influenza vaccine."

Ontario pediatricians warn of flu shot 'crisis'

Hurricane Teddy headed for Atlantic Canada

Hurricane Teddy headed for Atlantic Canada
Teddy's expected track now encompasses an area west of Halifax to just beyond the east coast of Cape Breton, and then stretches over eastern P.E.I. and the western half of Newfoundland.

Hurricane Teddy headed for Atlantic Canada

CPR board created for faster COVID response

CPR board created for faster COVID response
The novel coronavirus can create complications in the lungs, and many patients are placed on their bellies to improve ventilation.

CPR board created for faster COVID response

Ottawa summoned to settle N.S. fishing dispute

Ottawa summoned to settle N.S. fishing dispute
Sipekne'katik First Nation says its people have a treaty right to fish at any time. Non-Indigenous fishermen say the First Nation is illegally fishing off-season.

Ottawa summoned to settle N.S. fishing dispute

RCMP launch raid tied to White House ricin letter

RCMP launch raid tied to White House ricin letter
The home is located in a multi-unit building on Vauquelin Blvd. in St-Hubert, bordering a forest and not far from an airport.

RCMP launch raid tied to White House ricin letter

COVID-19 gains steam in Quebec, Ontario

COVID-19 gains steam in Quebec, Ontario
The news prompted Dr. Horacio Arruda, Quebec's public health director, to declare a second wave of COVID-19 had begun in the province.

COVID-19 gains steam in Quebec, Ontario