How much repairs from last November’s torrential rains and localized flooding will cost the Coast is still being tallied.
The disaster recovery plan from the event’s emergency operations centre (EOC) activation was presented at Sunshine Coast Regional District meetings on Jan. 13.
Local governments and First Nations can qualify for up to 80 per cent of eligible recovery costs - such as the repair or restoration of essential materials, structures and public worlds - that exceed $1,000 under the BC Emergency Program Act and Compensation and Disaster Financial Assistance Regulation, the staff report states, but those governments must pay for recovery actions out of pocket and claim the funds afterwards.
Two categories were primarily affected on the Coast: water infrastructure and parks. The work will include analyzing how infrastructure can be future-proofed.
The most costly item in the plan is the ongoing emergency repair of the exposed watermain at the Sechelt Airport, with a budget of $250,000 to come out of the regional water capital reserves. The watermain is stabilized, but more work is needed for the long-term stability at the site. This will include an aerial assessment. A contract for that project has been awarded to Arya Engineering Inc. for up to $240,000. Emergency Management BC (EMBC) has approved up to $100,000 in response, a report from staff states.
Debris removal from the Chapman water treatment plant intake is to be funded from the regional water operating reserves with a budget of $15,000. The report states, “The basin at the intake for the Chapman Water Treatment Plant intake has filled up with debris increasing the risk for future blockages of the intake during future storm events.”
“Not addressing any of these items could result in significant disruptions to the provision of treated drinking water to a significant number of users on this water system,” the report said of the two water infrastructure repair projects.
There are multiple parks that took a hit during the November storms, and the response efforts in those locations focused on public safety and risk mitigation. Funds for the park projects will come from the community park operating reserves. The most costly of these projects is Cliff Gilker park in Roberts Creek, where three of the park’s nine bridges were damaged, about 450 metres of trail eroded and seven signs need to be replaced. Work will also include the upper back parking area and playground surface. The SCRD board approved up to $38,000 for associated consultant fees.
Up to $35,300 will go to Katherine Lake Campground for repairs to the major access road and base of 19 campsites, as well as recovery planning to excavate a drainage channel and divert water from campsites. This work needs to be completed as soon as possible, the report notes, so the spring opening of the campground is not affected.
Repairs to approximately 150 metres of Mahan Trail will be funded up to $16,250, and the Suncoaster Trail entrance archway sign will receive up to $5,250 in funding.
The SCRD also submitted two expense authorization forms, awaiting approval from EMBC, for road repairs at Seaview Cemetery and road repair up to Dakota Ridge. The $3,000 for the Seaview repairs were declined coverage as a response effort but may still be covered as recovery costs. The $8,000 for Dakota Ridge was approved for response funding.
Each individual project will also fund project management oversight.
Costs for Chaster House and the Chaster pedestrian bridge, which both remain closed, are still to be determined. The degree of damage caused by flooding in the basement of Chaster House has not been determined. Staff will bring forward future reports when additional information is available.
