Cleveland Dam Safety Enhancements 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 i​mprovement: Using data, feedback, and expert analysis to refine safety measures and adapt to evolving public needs

Capilano River Evacuation System – t​arget completion 2027

The Capilano River Evacuation System will include visual and audible alerts and indicators that have been strategically placed along the Capilano River where rising water levels pose the greatest risk to provide warnings to help people evacuate quickly and avoid becoming stranded. Placement of these alarm locations was informed by several data sources and technical analysis including findings from hydraulic modeling of the Capilano River and a Capilano River User Study.

The alarms are silently tested daily and audibly tested monthly to ensure reliability.

The Capilano River Evacuation System integrates multiple alert and monitoring features to ensure timely and effective​ warnings. Each component serves a distinct purpose:

• Lights (visual alerts)
• Siren Alarm (audible alerts)
• River Level Guage (visual indicator)

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. ​​​​

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.​​

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.