Cleveland Dam Safety Enhancements Program

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. ​

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.