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Work expected to begin soon to deal with flooding issues on Canada Avenue in Duncan

North Cowichan awards $2.5-million contract
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North Cowichan has awarded a $2.5 million contract for work to help deal with frequent flooding on Canada Avenue. (File photo)

More measures are finally being taken to help deal with the frequent flooding on Canada Avenue near where the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachment is located.

North Cowichan council awarded a $2.5-million contract to Stone Pacific Contracting at its meeting on March 15 for work that will include the construction of a new flood-gate system across Canada Avenue and raising sections of the road near the RCMP building, which is meant to deal with the nearly annual problems with localized flooding on the roadway.

The installation of the new floodgate to prevent flooding of the urban core from the Somenos Marsh area will be the final phase of flood protection works north of the Cowichan River.

RELATED STORY: BUSINESSES FRUSTRATED BY CANADA AVENUE FLOOD CLOSURES IN DUNCAN

A portion of Canada Avenue in the vicinity of Philips Street will be raised to up to 10-year flood level. There will also be a planned detour in the event of flooding that will allow vehicles and pedestrians to use Philips Street to get around any standing water near the RCMP station.

New storm mains will also be installed that will have increased capacity to improve local drainage and to direct stormwater to the Canada Avenue storm pump station, and active transportation and road improvements will be undertaken that include sidewalk upgrades, a paved multi-use trail, a new signalized pedestrian crossing and new pavement on the roadway.

“This project’s roads, sidewalk, and multi-use trail components are consistent with the future Canada Avenue Complete Streets Project, where similar roadway improvements will be constructed over the remainder of Canada Avenue from Beverly Street to Sherman Road,” said David Conway, North Cowichan director of engineering.

The total budget for the project is $3.67 million, which includes a $750,000 grant from the Union of BC Municipalities’ Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, and $363,000 of co-funding from the City of Duncan as a contribution towards the flood gate and replacement of the city’s water main.

RELATED STORY: PROVINCE KICKS IN $750,000 FOR NEW FLOOD GATE ON CANADA AVENUE

Conway pointed out to council that if the contract was not awarded and work didn’t begin soon, it could result in the loss of the $750,000 in funding from the UBCM.

“Canada Avenue will need to be closed periodically during construction,” Conway said.

“Traffic will be detoured during those times. The contractor will be required to have a traffic management plan and forces in place when detours and traffic control are required.”

Conway also said that if council didn’t award the contract for the work, there would be more frequent road closures due to flooding in the area without the ability to bypass traffic around the flooding.



robert.barron@cowichanvalleycitizen.com

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Robert Barron

About the Author: Robert Barron

Since 2016, I've had had the pleasure of working with our dedicated staff and community in the Cowichan Valley.
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