Wednesday, March 30, 2005

On Thursday, March 31, a small excavator will begin digging open test pits at the top of the slope. This will allow for collection and analysis of further soil samples to determine the types of soil present and depths of each layer. The excavation, although subject to weather conditions, is expected to last three days. Families from three homes above the slope remain evacuated and a security presence remains at the landslide site. Services to one home at the bottom of the slope have now been restored and that resident will be allowed to return home shortly. District staff are working with another homeowner at the bottom of the slope to determine the practicality of house repairs, prior to re-occupancy.
 

Friday, March 18, 2005

Work continues on the site and includes open test pits and deep drilling at the top of the slope, which will allow for a detailed analysis of the soil conditions including the types of soil present and the depth of each layer. To accomplish this, residents can expect to see a heavy duty drill rig on site today and throughout the weekend.

Our experts monitoring the weather forecast informed us that the impacts of the rainfall over the weekend will be negligible.

The District has now installed eight piezometers along the top of the slope, which measure ground water levels and pressure. These devices are a short term, risk management measure. Currently, they require manual readings by an on-site crew member however plans are in place to link them electronically to allow for remote readings for the longer term. Once lab analysis of the soil is complete, the District will start to focus on long term slope stability measures.

Families from three homes above the slope remain evacuated and a security presence remains at the landslide site. District staff has been working with two other homeowners to restore services and determine the practicality of house repairs, respectively, prior to re-occupancy.

Monday, March 14, 2005

On Friday, March 11, senior District staff and Geotechnical Engineers met with the evacuees of ten homes to provide an update on site work to date. During this meeting, the District also informed five families that they could return to their homes the following day. Residents of a sixth home will be able to return later this week, once utility service is restored. Families from the three homes above the slope remain evacuated.

In the meantime, work continues on the site. This includes deep test pits and deep drilling at the top of the slope, which will allow for a detailed analysis of the soil and its condition, including the types of soil present and the depth of each layer.

The District has now installed seven piezometers along the top of the slope, which measure ground water levels and pressure. These devices are a short term, risk management measure. Currently, they require manual readings by an on-site crew member however plans are in place to link them electronically to allow for remote readings for the longer term. Once lab analysis of the soil is complete, the District will start to focus on long term slope stability measures.

A security presence remains at the top and bottom of the landslide site.

Monday, March 7, 2005

District fire fighters host BBQ fundraiser to aid victims of slide

North Vancouver, B.C. District of North Vancouver fire fighters, in partnership with the Peace Arch Law Enforcement Council, will be holding a salmon barbecue to raise funds for victims of the recent landslide in the District.

“Many of our fire fighters were on scene at the landslide,” said District Fire Captain Peter Hansen. “This is our way of helping those families affected by this tragedy.”

Various local companies are also helping out by donating the food for this event.

Adds Hansen, “Our fire fighters will be manning the barbecues. It’ll be a great meal in support of a worthy cause and we hope to see everyone there.”

Date: Saturday, March 12, 2005

Time: Noon until 5:00 p.m. (or until the salmon runs out)

Place: Real Canadian Superstore (parking lot)
333 Seymour Blvd
North Vancouver

Cost: $10 per person (additional donations will be gratefully accepted)

The event will be held rain or shine. Bring your appetite to help support this worthy cause! The meal will include barbecued salmon, an assortment of salads and a bun. District fire trucks will also be on display at the event.

For more information or to arrange for a photo, please contact District Fire and Rescue Services Captain Peter Hansen at (phone) 604-985-0065 or (cell) 604-612-9867.