Fellow Homeowners,
No doubt everyone has been affected, or knows someone who has been affected by the recent severe weather, which has been called a magnified atmospheric river, that has wreaked havoc on the lower mainland and South Coast. Weather scientist will be analyzing this mind boggling data for some time, to better understand forecasting and behavior characteristics for future such events. Early reports are indicating for the South Coast region of BC, upwards of 200mm of rain may have fallen.
Your strata council has been busy keeping in touch with all homeowners to ensure human and property safety are first and foremost. During the last 48 hrs, we have ensured the ground water pumps and back up diesel generators are in standby mode and ready to engage when required. We have also been keeping a watchful eye on the Wills Brook water level. We were also assessing any excessive erosion along the banks of Wills Brook and the abutments supporting the walk-over pedestrian bridge (we will also have a closer look once the water levels have receded) We have noticed some small and localized water pooling in the strata, however this is not concerning and very much expected given the saturation level of the ground, as well as some roof gutters which were just overwhelmed with rain water volume (cleaning of gutters is currently being planned for this year) The best way to assess the drainage conditions, is to be outside during the heaviest part of the downpour, amidst the physical conditions, which I and other council members were at varying times.
Your strata council continues to assess our surface drainage plan and make corrections as required as conditions change over the years and during extreme weather events. Some time ago, we enacted a standard policy of regular routine maintenance and testing for critical infrastructure such as our two ground water pumping stations. Each back up diesel generator and control kiosk is tested on a routine preventative maintenance cycle as is each of the 4 (400GPH) pumps. These pumps are pulled to surface, inspected and tested each and every year. These measures ensure, that these systems are ready to operate when called to do so. Council has also been proactive in ensuring our roadway catch basins, lawn drainage basins and foundation sump drains have been cleaned out to ensure uninterrupted service.
I am pleased to report, the actions taken by council, the property management group and the many volunteers in the maintenance committee in the previous years, have paid off! I watched closely, how our rain water diversion tactics have worked extremely well ensuring the heavy rain runoff is moved away from our foundations and re-directed towards planned drainage channels.
Sent on behalf of Strata Council
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