Cleveland Dam Safety Enhancements Program

<div class="ExternalClass8442998F567842FD99804BD177E9F908"><div class="ExternalClass60F032B300F94F65B1E3EED44E6FDE6B"><p>The Cleveland Dam Safety Enhancements Program was initiated following a significant incident in October 2020. Metro Vancouver responded by launching a comprehensive review of dam operations and implementing a multi-phase safety enhancement program.</p><p>The Capilano Reservoir, controlled by the Cleveland Dam in the District of North Vancouver, is a vital source of drinking water for the region. The dam’s spillway gate regulates water flow into the Capilano River, with seasonal adjustments to meet regional water demand.</p><p>Since 2021, Metro Vancouver has worked to enhance safety infrastructure, improve communication tools, and better understand how people use the Capilano River. The program continues to evolve, with the second phase of engagement planned for early 2026. Metro Vancouver remains committed to protecting the public, preserving the environment, and supporting safe recreation in Capilano River Regional Park.<br></p></div></div><br>

Capilano River Regional Park

Program

Purpose

The Cleveland Dam Safety Enhancements Program is guided by three core principles:

Public safety: Strengthening warning systems, signage, and education to protect visitors and river users
Accountability: Engaging transparently with First Nations, municipalities, emergency services, and the public to ensure inclusive decision-making
Continuous improvement: Using data, feedback, and expert analysis to refine safety measures and adapt to evolving public needs

Interim public warning system alarm locations map

There are six public-facing alarms along the Capilano River. These alarms are tested monthly. They are designed to allow Metro Vancouver to alert the public if an operational emergency happens with the dam. Hear the alarm blast? Get out fast.

Alarms do not sound for weather events

These alarms do not sound in the event of freshet flows or heavy rainfall events. Environment Canada provides warnings related to weather events.

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https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/ConstructionImages/_t/cleveland-dam-safety-enhancements-public-facing-alarms_jpg.jpg

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What to expect during alarm system testing	What to expect during alarm system testing	<div class="ExternalClassC265DD382BE4439789C01D35AC745FF2"><p>To ensure the alarms function properly, the system requires testing. During testing you’ll hear verbal confirmation, followed by the alarm sounding for up to two minutes. The verbal instructions will be:</p><p> <em>“This is a TEST. This is a TEST of the Cleveland Dam emergency warning system. This is ONLY a TEST. To respond to an actual emergency, you should evacuate the Capilano River and Canyon immediately. This is ONLY a TEST. NO ACTION is required.”</em></p></div>
What to expect from the alarms	What to expect from the alarms	<div class="ExternalClass9451176745294A33812967AFBA24F836"><ul><li> <a target="_blank">Hear an example of the siren</a><br><audio controls="yes"><source src="/services/water/PublishingImages/SlowWhoopMP3.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" /><source src="/services/water/PublishingImages/SlowWhoop.wav" type="audio/wav" /> Your browser does not support the audio element. </audio> </li><li> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJsU6PIEq8E" target="_blank">See a example of the strobe lights</a><br></li></ul><br></div>

Engagement

Since 2020, Metro Vancouver has been actively engaging and fostering relationships with Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), North Shore partners, and the public on dam and river safety initiatives, community engagement efforts, and emergency response planning.

Phase 1 (2021)	Phase 1 (2021)	<div class="ExternalClass8E46D78CA0324892BDFDCA533BB39311"><p>The first phase of public engagement took place between May and July 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the engagement was held online. Activities during this phase included 30 stakeholder meeting, 5,358 views of our engagement video, 195 responses to our online and hard copy survey and additional feedback received through email, phone and text.</p><ul class="fa-ul"><li><span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-video"></i></span><a href="https://vimeo.com/546255067" target="_blank">Phase 1 Engagement Video</a></li><li><span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span><a href="/services/water/Documents/cleveland-dam-discussion-guide.pdf" target="_blank" title="Phase 1 Discussion Guide">Phase 1 Discussion Guide</a><br></li><li><span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span><a href="/services/water/Documents/cleveland-dam-enhancements-phase-1-engagement-summary-report.pdf" target="_blank" title="Phase 1 Engagement Summary Report">Phase 1 Engagement Summary Report</a></li><li><span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-link"></i></span><a href="/about-us/community-engagement" target="_blank" title="Learn more about our commitment to public engagement and our guiding principles">Learn more about our commitment to public engagement and our guiding principles</a></li></ul><p> <strong>What we heard:</strong></p><p>Feedback gathered through the public engagement process will be combined with the expertise of third-party engineer consulting firms working to help us design the long-term public warning system.</p><p> <strong>Public safety information signs</strong></p><ul><li>Suggestions to install more public safety signs along the river, between Capilano River Fish Hatchery and the south access to Pipeline Trail</li><li>Comments on the benefits of adding signs that communicate serious risk or loss of life in designated areas along the river</li><li>Concerns and comments on what to do or where to go in the event of emergency scenario</li></ul><p> <strong>Public alarm system</strong></p><ul><li>Suggestions to add more public-facing sirens and strobe lights along the Capilano River</li><li>Support for the content and messaging used during alarm testing scenarios</li><li>Suggestions to consider adding verbal instructions with the alarms to alert people of what to do during an emergency scenario</li></ul><p> <strong>SMS texting system</strong></p><ul><li>Interest in expanding the SMS system to include notice of river level changes</li><li>Suggestions to consider updating the SMS notification system from opt-in subscription to automatic push of public safety alerts</li></ul><p> <strong>Ongoing communication and education</strong></p><ul><li>Support to continue promoting program updates and engagement opportunities through signs located in Capilano River Regional Park and through social media</li></ul><p> <strong>Park and river user experience</strong></p><ul><li>Almost all engagement participants visit the Capilano River or Cleveland Dam at least once per year</li><li>Activities most frequently enjoyed by engagement participants who visit Capilano River Regional Park and the Capilano River include hiking, running or walking</li></ul></div>
Program Enhancements (2022-2024)	Program Enhancements (2022-2024)	<div class="ExternalClass40F65A8B3DFA4826B8A85DD8C058DF34"><p>A comprehensive safety review has been underway since 2020, resulting in enhancements to the dam and the public warning system, as well as ongoing engagement with First Nations, North Shore municipalities, emergency services, and the broader public.</p><p>The first phase of engagement (May – July 2021) gathered input on how to increase safe recreational in Capilano River Regional Park. Feedback informed several initiatives, including:</p><ul><li><strong>Implementation of Alertable (2022):</strong> A mass public alert system used by North Shore municipalities and emergency services. It provides real-time alerts to stay informed and safe during an emergency or public safety events in Metro Vancouver.</li><li><strong>Dam Safety Education Program (launched 2023):</strong> A public awareness campaign educating residents and visitors about river hazards and safe behaviours, including tips and tools at <a href="/river-safety" target="_blank">metrovancouver.org/river-safety</a>.</li><li><strong>Capilano River User Study (2023 – 2024):</strong> This year-long, third-party study observed how, where, and when people use the Capilano River.</li><li><strong>Hydraulic Modeling of Capilano River (2024):</strong> Using river flow modelling and field observations, Metro Vancouver identified high-risk zones where fast-rising water levels could endanger river users. These findings are informing new signage, barriers, and outreach efforts to reduce risk.</li></ul><p>These public safety enhancements reflect Metro Vancouver’s commitment to transparency, learning, and action. The next phase of public engagement is planned for 2026. In the meantime, safety remains our top priority as we continue to work collaboratively to protect the public, environment, and recreational enjoyment of Capilano River Regional Park.</p><ul class="fa-ul"><li><span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span><a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/cleveland-dam-safety-enhancements-program-update.pdf" target="_blank" title="Cleveland Dam Safety Enhancements Program Update">Cleveland Dam Safety Enhancements Program Update</a></li></ul></div><br>
Phase 2 (Early 2026)	Phase 2 (Early 2026)	<div class="ExternalClass3BC445C476B344E18EA037C4C9B65A18"><p>In early 2026, we will begin phase 2 of engagement to gather feedback on the new alarm location and functionality, the effectiveness of safety enhancements already implemented, and additional needs or concerns before finalizing the program.<br></p></div>

Subscribe to Alertable Metro Vancouver’s emergency notification system

Sign up for free emergency alerts from Metro Vancouver through Alertable for Cleveland Dam and Seymour Falls Dam. Alertable is part of a suite of tools to support public communication about the Cleveland Dam enhanced public warning system. Notifications will contain information to confirm why the audible and visible alarm system has been activated, and will help subscribers know if the lights and sirens indicate an alarm-testing situation or an actual dam-related emergency.

Subscribe to Alertable

System alarm testing alerts:

In the event of a system alarm test, sirens and lights will activate, followed by a verbal warning indicating a test is underway.
Individuals who subscribe to Metro Vancouver’s Emergency Notification System will receive a message indicating that a test is underway and no action is required.

Emergency alerts:

In the event of an emergency alert, sirens and lights will activate.
Individuals who subscribe to Metro Vancouver’s Emergency Notification System will receive an emergency alert message indicating that anyone in the area or downstream of the Cleveland Dam should evacuate the river area immediately. An alert will also be sent when the event has ended.

Disclaimer: Please read and understand the risks

The river and shoreline present inherent dangers, hazards and risks to those who enter, including but not limited to changes in water levels, risk of hypothermia, unexpected surges and waves, fast flowing water, rocks, branches and the risk of personal injury, death or loss of property.

Persons using or entering the Capilano River(s) and shoreline at any time do so at their own risk. 

Stay connected

Upcoming test dates in 2025

12:00 pm - December 18

Spring 2021 – Spring 2022	Spring 2021 – Spring 2022	<div class="ExternalClassCDE679EA5B704DBF9F904047920ECF0B"> <ul><li>Phase 1 engagement</li><li>Phase 1 engagement report out</li><li>Install of interim public-facing alarms</li></ul></div>	0
Spring 2022 – Spring 2024	Spring 2022 – Spring 2024	<div class="ExternalClassC10EA73463AF46968857212B70BA9510"><ul> <li>River user and public onsite surveying</li><li>Emergency Mass Communication Notification System Upgrade Project</li><li>Launched Dam Safety Educational Campaign<br></li></ul></div>	0
Fall 2025	Fall 2025	<div class="ExternalClass6D89D29F22054847A6BABC0E345AC556"><ul><li>Program Enhancements<br></li></ul></div>	1
2026	2026	<div class="ExternalClassB85FEA664DE843B6AC30B6B9264CB5DA"><ul><li>Phase 2 Engagement<br></li></ul></div>	0

Contact us

Community liaison
Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Email
604-432-6200

After hours emergencies

604-451-6610

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