On Thursday, October 1, 2020, the spillway gate at the Cleveland Dam released a large volume of water into the Capilano River while it was undergoing maintenance. We recognize the impact that this has had on everyone involved and are committed to ensuring this never happens again.
October 8, 2020 – Preliminary review findings of Cleveland Dam event
Metro Vancouver Releases Preliminary Review Findings Cleveland Dam Event On October 1, 2020
Metro Vancouver today releases the following preliminary findings of the circumstances surrounding the uncontrolled release of a large volume of water into the Capilano River on the afternoon of October 1, 2020.
“While the review continues, we can now confirm that the clearest contributing factor was human error related to programming of the control system for the spillway gate at the Cleveland Dam,” said Metro Vancouver Commissioner Jerry Dobrovolny. “Metro Vancouver takes responsibility for this mistake and our deepest sympathies go out to those affected by the tragic loss of life.”
Metro Vancouver is committed to ensuring that this type of event never happens again. As a result of this incident, Metro Vancouver is implementing system enhancements including exploring the viability of implementing an improved public warning system and increasing monitoring downstream of the dam. Further, Metro Vancouver is bringing in expert advisors, both consultants and peer reviewers, to assess current practices and procedures and provide independent advice on opportunities to further strengthen its already robust operations and maintenance systems.
Metro Vancouver will also be lowering the spillway gate, which will stay in the lowered position through the winter, with water from the lake flowing over the spillway and into Capilano River.
“Following technical recommendations by experts, Metro Vancouver upgraded the Cleveland Dam spillway gate from a mechanical to fully automated control system in 2002 and there have been subsequent upgrades. Metro Vancouver has not experienced a similar unintended release of water in almost two decades,” added Dobrovolny. “We are entirely compliant with all related WorkSafeBC orders and requirements.”
The 2002 WorkSafeBC items recently featured in the news happened during the process of commissioning the new system, causing an unplanned high flow release, which was subsequently fully remedied.
Metro Vancouver conducts dam safety reviews every seven years, which include an assessment of public safety measures. This was most recently completed in 2016, and was performed by an independent technical expert as part of regulatory requirements of the Provincial Dam Safety Program. Earlier this year, a formal public safety assessment of the Cleveland Dam was completed, taking into consideration the nature of the dam and the river system, the geography of the space, and potential hazards considering downstream users and activities, and demonstrated consistency with industry best practices.
We will continue to provide additional information as it becomes available.
Media contact: Don Bradley, Division Manager, Media and Intergovernment Relations c. 604.788.2821
Friday, October 2, 2020 – Statement from Jerry Dobrovolny, Commissioner, Metro Vancouver
On Thursday, October 1, the spillway gate at the Cleveland Dam released a large volume of water into the Capilano River while it was undergoing maintenance.
Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences go out to those affected by this event and for the loss of life.
We recognize the impact that this has had on everyone involved. We have commenced an urgent and comprehensive review that will look at everything from programming, operations, and internal protocols. We are one hundred per cent committed to determining the cause, making improvements, and taking all necessary action to ensure this never happens again.
The structural integrity of the dam remains intact, and there is no safety concern regarding the dam. We have physically locked the gate of the dam to control the water level to expedite the review, have activated the Emergency Operations Centre and continue to support the RCMP and other agencies in their investigation work.
We will provide updates as the review and information unfolds.
Monday, May 1, 2023 – Metro Vancouver launches safety education initiative for Capilano River Regional Park
Metro Vancouver is launching a safety education website to help residents stay safe while enjoying Capilano River Regional Park.
"The Capilano River is located downstream of the Cleveland Dam, which is part of Metro Vancouver's drinking water system. The dam creates a reservoir that supplies drinking water to the region," said Jerry Dobrovolny, Commissioner and CAO of Metro Vancouver. "Metro Vancouver is committed to enhancing safety for those enjoying nature around Capilano River Regional Park, and this safety education website is another tool to help those visiting the park keep safe by letting them know about the risks of being around the river and downstream of the dam."
The website provides information about the Cleveland Dam and Capilano River, educational videos, information on what to do in case of an emergency, and safety tips such as: stay on designated trails, monitor the river for changes in water levels, and be ready for varying weather conditions with appropriate attire.
Capilano River Regional Park is a beautiful and popular recreational area that is safe for residents and tourists to visit. However, water levels in the river can change rapidly at any time due to changes in the weather or dam operations. Without much notice, the Capilano River can rise more than five metres (16 feet) at various points along the river, with water moving faster than 21 kilometres per hour. Even at smaller volumes, changes to the river can put people at risk of being swept off their feet.
Metro Vancouver has taken a number of measures to enhance public safety downstream of the Cleveland Dam, including continuous improvement for dam operations, installing public-facing alarms, and adding more warning signs along the river.
As part of these measures, Metro Vancouver is also signing on with Alertable — a free, third-party app that notifies users if there is an emergency in their area. The app is commonly used by other emergency organizations in BC, and is a centralized location for emergency notifications. When Metro Vancouver sends an alert during an emergency, Alertable users will receive a message on their electronic device with clear and direct instructions on how to stay safe and what actions to take next.
Visit metrovancouver.org/river-safety for more information on Alertable and how to stay safe while visiting Capilano River Regional Park.
Media Contact: Don Bradley, Division Manager, Media Relations and Issues Management, c. 604-788-2821, media@metrovancouver.org
Thursday, September 1, 2022 – Upcoming work along the Capilano River to develop the long-term Cleveland Dam public safety enhancements
Metro Vancouver is continuing technical analyses to help identify and develop long-term safety enhancements to the Cleveland Dam public warning system.
In fall 2021, we conducted a study of Capilano River users to support research on river use patterns for long-term public safety enhancements.
In April 2022, we installed an additional public-facing alarm at the base of Taylor Way Bridge. This alarm is interconnected with the other six alarms and part of our regular monthly alarm testing schedule.
Throughout summer 2022 – summer 2023 you can expect to see:
- Engineering teams completing on-site studies and hydraulic modeling of the Capilano River
- Updated project information signs and website content
- A third-party engineer consulting firm conducting onsite surveys to determine patterns of the public and river users along the Capilano River to inform the long-term public safety enhancements
- The purpose of the survey is to collect a statistically valid sample to determine:
- Who the River Users are? → Collect demographic data
- Where the River Users are? → Use maps to identify where people live, work, and recreation in the vicinity of the Capilano River.
- When the River users are in the River? → Identify users during different time of day, time of week, varying throughout the seasons
- What are the River Users doing? → Identify activities that River Users are performing
- Opportunities to sign up for the Alertable app, a mass notification public alerting system that provides timely distribution of critical information during emergency events (fall 2022)
- A new Dam Safety Educational Program is currently in development for implementation in spring 2023
The extent of the long-term safety enhancements will be further refined through additional public engagement and continued dialogue with member jurisdictions and First Nations.
If you are interested in receiving Cleveland Dam project updates, including notice when the next phase of public engagement begins sign up to our email list.
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Wednesday, May 26, 2021 – Cleveland Dam and Capilano River interim public-facing alarm system testing begins
Metro Vancouver will begin testing new interim public-facing alarms at four sites at the Cleveland Dam and along the Capilano River starting May 27.
Work will take place on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., over a two-week period. Alarm testing will not occur on weekends. During testing, the audible and visual alarms will be activated for a minimum of 90 seconds and a maximum of seven minutes per test.
Crews will begin the series of tests at the Cleveland Dam Screen House site and move downstream. Testing will take place for up to two days each at the Cleveland Dam Screen House, the Capilano Hatchery, near the Trans-Canada Highway bridge crossing the river, and near the Lions Gate Wastewater Treatment Plant.
A special weather statement was issued by Environment Canada on May 26. Heavy rainfall over the next few days is also expected to naturally increase river levels. Testing will continue even during the heavy rainfall.
The first phase of the Cleveland Dam Safety Enhancements Program includes a period of public engagement which is open until July 30. Notifications about the testing will also be issued by SMS text message or email. To sign up to receive notifications about alarm system testing or use, please subscribe online.
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Friday, April 16, 2021 – Metro Vancouver launches opt-in SMS text messaging warning system as part of a suite of Cleveland Dam Safety Enhancements
As part of our commitment to make improvements to our system, Metro Vancouver is enhancing our public-facing warning systems in two phases.
In the first phase, we will install an interim public warning system that includes a series of audible and visible alarms at six locations along the Capilano River and additional public warning signs. We will also launch an opt-in SMS text messaging system for use when the public warning system is being tested and in the event of a significant dam-related emergency.
In the second phase, we will incorporate what we learn through our upcoming public engagement process with the expertise of third-party engineer consulting firms, to inform additional long-term public warning system enhancements.
Construction of the interim public-facing alarms and sirens will begin late April and is expected to take approximately one month. Once complete, the system will be tested and commissioned over a period of approximately two weeks (dates to be confirmed in the coming weeks). For more information about the new system and how to subscribe for SMS text messages, please visit the project page.
The first of two public engagement periods will begin on May 13, 2021 with the purpose of seeking feedback on the interim enhanced public warning system and input on additional long-term enhancements.
Feedback gathered through the public engagement process will be considered along with the expertise of third-party engineer consulting firms who we have brought on board to help us design the long-term public warning system.
Anyone interested in receiving Cleveland Dam project updates, including notice when public engagement begins, is encouraged to sign up to our email list.
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Thursday, February 25, 2021 – Upcoming Activity at the Cleveland Dam and along the Capilano River
Since the Cleveland Dam event of October last year, it has been Metro Vancouver's priority to fully understand and respond to the circumstances around this tragic event and ensure it never happens again.
In the coming weeks people enjoying Capilano River Regional Park will begin to notice various work taking place related to regular maintenance of the dam and reservoir, preparatory actions in advance of returning the spillway gate to service to collect water for the summer, and added safety enhancements along the Capilano River.
The public can continue to enjoy trails in Capilano River Regional Park during these activities, and crews will make every effort to minimize noise and potential delays from construction vehicle access.
Upcoming maintenance
- Performing testing and inspections on the spillway gate. During testing, the spillway gate will be raised and lowered over a period of a few hours. During the testing and inspection, crews will be on site. For public and crew safety, the lake level will be kept below the spillway gate so no water is released over the gate during these activities.
- Maintenance on the west side of the dam as part of our regular asset management planning. This work will begin in late February and take approximately four months to complete. Park users will see a crane on site and a construction staging area. Routine maintenance checks on the log booms located north of the dam bridge on Capilano Reservoir. This is in preparation to replace the anchors on the log booms. There will be small boats on the reservoir during this time.
Public warning systems and upcoming public engagement
We are working to install an interim set of public facing alarms this spring and later this spring we will begin a two-phase engagement program to help inform the long-term solution for the enhanced public warning system.
Feedback gathered through the public engagement process will be combined with the expertise of third-party engineer consulting firms who we have brought on board to help us design the public warning system.
In the coming months, we will be reaching out to groups who we know to be active along the river. If you are from a group that regularly uses the river and would like to share your feedback as part of our engagement process, please reach out to our team to be added to our contact list.
Anyone interested in receiving Cleveland Dam project updates, including notice when public engagement begins, is encouraged to sign up to our email list.
Friday, October 30, 2020 – Cleveland Dam event update
On October 8, 2020, Metro Vancouver reported that the tragic event at the Cleveland Dam during drum gate maintenance work on October 1 was due to human error.
Today, Metro Vancouver further reports that three employees have been dismissed from employment with Metro Vancouver.
Metro Vancouver continues to cooperate fully with external agencies in their investigations, and will not be providing further comment at this time.
Friday, October 9, 2020 – Cleveland Dam operational update in anticipation of heavy rainfall
Cleveland Dam Operational Update In Anticipation Of Heavy Rainfall
Heavy rainfall is forecast for the upcoming weekend.
In preparation for this heavy rainfall, Metro Vancouver has been slowly lowering Capilano Lake to below the elevation of the Cleveland Dam spillway gate over the past few days. This morning, staff fully lowered the spillway gate and have now taken it out of service. Additional staff were put in place to monitor during this activity.
To ensure park users are aware of anticipated river level changes as a result of the rain, Metro Vancouver added digital signage at key entrances to Capilano River Regional Park.
Metro Vancouver expects the spillway gate will remain out of service throughout the winter.
During the winter months, the water coming from the lake will spill naturally over the spillway and into the river below. Residents and park users will continue to see fluctuations in the river levels throughout the fall and winter as a result of natural weather patterns and gradual release of water through the lower release systems in the dam.
River levels can change quickly and everyone is advised to use extreme caution when accessing areas near the river.
Media contact: Don Bradley, Division Manager, Media and Intergovernment Relations c. 604.788.2821
Monday, October 5, 2020 – Statement from Jerry Dobrovolny, Commissioner, Metro Vancouver
We continued to work through the weekend on an urgent and comprehensive review that has been looking at everything from programming and operations to internal protocols. We activated our Emergency Operations Centre to enhance the efficiency with which we can get answers on what happened and we are working collaboratively with other agencies such as the RCMP and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans on their investigations.
The review is still underway, and there are some questions for which we are still confirming answers, however, we are confident at this point that the event did not involve terrorism, sabotage, or malicious intent. We are committed to providing updates as information becomes available.
In addition to supporting emergency responders, our first priority was to secure the dam and ensure that it was safe. The structural integrity of the dam remains intact, and there is no safety concern regarding the dam. One of the first steps we took was to lock out the spillway gate to prevent any further release over the spillway and give us a stable environment in which to conduct the review.
A key function of the dam is to ensure that both the lake levels and river levels remain safe. Because we are now into autumn and expecting heavy rainfall this weekend, we have been assessing the appropriate release of water, and beginning this evening we will be lowering the level of the lake below the elevation of the spillway gate so that the gate can be lowered and taken out of service by the end of the weekend. We are adding additional staff to monitor our operational practice during this activity. Once the spillway gate is fully open, we expect it will remain so through the winter.
Residents will continue to see fluctuations in the river throughout the fall and winter, both from natural weather patterns and from updated operational requirements for the dam.
We have heard very clearly from the public an interest in understanding the nature of alarm systems on dams. The two dams that we operate, Seymour Falls Dam and Cleveland Dam, do not have external, public-facing alarm systems. As part of our review and assessment, we are exploring options to improve our system, including the possible addition of alarm systems.
The first priority of the emergency response was to respond to people impacted by the surge of water. Following that, we conducted an environmental survey to identify possible impacts to fish. As part of this, our fisheries consultant surveyed sensitive stranding sites along the Capilano River and found no stranded or isolated fish or notable concerns. This information has been provided to the Province.
Naturally, the thing we are first and foremost concerned with is the impact of this event on human life and the fear and anxiety this has caused those who regularly use the park. The recommendations that result from our review will have this at the front of mind, as we want to be able to ensure that we have taken every available step so that this does not happen again.