Saanich crews were kept busy overnight after a major rain event swept through the region Tuesday night, causing flooding in several areas and prompting dozens of service calls.
The District of Saanich says it experienced its second major rain event of the week, with crews fully engaged through the night to manage road safety and assist residents affected by flooding.
In a statement, the District of Saanich said Public Works crews were fully engaged throughout the night to manage road safety and assist residents affected by flooding.
Between 7 p.m. and midnight, the Saanich Public Works Department Operations Centre received 81 service calls.
The district said five crews were deployed to address overland flooding, including clearing blocked drains and placing sandbags in affected areas.
Two sewer lift crews were also on duty to prevent sewage overflows, using bypass pumping where required.
Saanich said the heavy rain overwhelmed some natural drainage courses, forcing road closures in several locations.
Impacted areas included Haultain Street at Bowker Creek and Blenkinsop Road at Big Barn Creek, among others.
Crews say fast action helped prevent environmental impacts and reduced risks to public safety. Follow-up work is continuing as remaining service requests are addressed and staff assess any system damage.
With additional rainfall expected, Saanich is reminding residents to take preventative steps, including clearing eavestroughs, downspouts, and catch basins of leaves and debris.
Residents are also encouraged to report road flooding through saanich.ca/report or by calling (250) 475-5599.
The Capital Regional District has also issued two active alerts related to trail conditions following the heavy rainfall.
The Galloping Goose Regional Trail is temporarily closed near kilometre 45, just before the Charters Trestle in Sooke, due to a landslip.
The CRD is asking trail users to avoid the area until further notice.
The Lochside Regional Trail is also temporarily closed near the intersection of Lohbrunner Road E and Lochside Drive due to flooding.
Both closures remain in effect, and the CRD says updates will be shared once the trails are safe to reopen.
