Anniversary of Vancouver Island's floods of the century arrives
On the one-year anniversary of the atmospheric river that tore chunks from the Malahat Highway, stranding many motorists, BC Ferries reflected on the round-the-clock efforts its staff embraced during the crisis in order to provide an alternative route in and out of Victoria.
“Next thing you know, we're going into full-on shuttle mode – and we're running 24 hours straight – right into next day,” said BC Ferries' Dan McIntosh Tuesday, remembering how workers for the Brentwood Bay to Mill Bay ferry took on multiple shifts and tasks for several days.
“When you’re in a situation like this, it’s kind of all hands on deck,” said McIntosh Tuesday.
On Tuesday, the massive lines of desperate drivers were gone from Brentwood Bay, where it was smooth sailing and there were no lines to get aboard.
Similarly, in North Saanich, where flooding overwhelmed a culvert, ripping Chalet Road apart last year, all was back to normal on the one-year anniversary of the epic storm.
The Malahat was hardest hit and is still undergoing repairs that not expected to be done until next spring.
"[It] still is in temporary condition right now, so our contractor is currently working on a permanent solution, which includes replacing the culvert that failed,” said Janelle Staite, a representative for the Ministry of Transportation.
The atmospheric river and its devastating downpour – considered a once-in-a-century event – wreaked havoc across the island, swamping basements and triggering evacuations of an RV park near the Englishman River.
In the days and weeks following the storm, disruptions to commercial traffic led to fuel shortages and rationing at gas stations.
Experts say it's not possible to know when the next storm of this magnitude will strike, but they expect – due to climate change – it will be much sooner than a century.
“What we are seeing is a consistent warm-up of the Earth, and that's changing things a lot faster than they use to,” said CTV Vancouver Island’s weather host, Warren Dean.
Whenever the next storm happens, the memories of last year – good and bad – will serve as a warning.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.