North Quadra
Community Association

October 2024 Update

Saanich Parks is still patiently waiting for a response from the Provincial Dam Safety Office to the report submitted by Ryzuk Geotechnical in July. This report specifically addressed the ‘significant consequence rating’ of the risk for dam failure and more closely followed regulatory guidelines than two previously rejected consultants reports.

Unfortunately DSO Dave Johnson left his position in August and only recently was replaced by an acting DSO. If the engineering report is approved by the DSO, Paul DeGreef, Planning & Development Manager for Saanich Parks, will then prepare a report for senior Parks Management recommending the transfer of the Beckwith Pond water license from Don Mann Excavating to Saanich Parks. If this plan is approved and endorsed by Saanich Council the dam will remain in place and be owned & operated by Saanich with little change other than the removal of some trees on the eastern side of Dam #1 (between the rock bluff & the existing spillway).

Paul is cautiously optimistic of the necessary approvals by the end of the year, and is willing to give another brief presentation to residents and the NQCA when a decision has been made.