A deluge of rain is causing flooding in parts of Vancouver Island, while property owners say it’s part of an annual trend that is getting worse each year.
On Monday, backyards were flooded, and vehicles waded through several inches of water. Flooding forced the closure of Pinson’s Corner, situated at the corner of Chemainus Road and Crofton Road.
The Cowichan Valley Regional District issued a high water advisory on Dec. 24 and the municipality is warning more flooding may be on the way with the Dec. 27 King Tide. It says residents should clear storm drains and eavestroughs to ensure proper drainage and to prevent damage.
He says the province needs to rebuild the dike, otherwise water levels will continue to rise.
Don Allingham lives on Chemainus Road and says the flooding is getting worse every year and the province must take action.
“Start with gravel removal, logjam removal. Let the water flow like it used to. This channel is just a plug filled with gravel,” he said, pointing to other waterways such as the Cowichan River which have dikes and gravel removal.
He says he is also concerned about the safety of others because flooding could prevent emergency vehicles from passing.