In early June, two trunk water mains – which supply drinking water to the south end of North Cowichan and Crofton – were found exposed in the riverbed due to erosion that lowered the riverbed by approximately one metre. This exposure also compromised the stability of the south side dike, increasing the risk of flooding to nearby areas including Boys Road, Cowichan Tribes’ Reserve lands, the Boys Road water treatment facility, and the municipal well field.
Project Timeline: August 15 to September 15, 2025
The $4.5 million project will be carried out during the designated fisheries window from August 15 to September 15, with emergency clearance granted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Ministry of Environment. The fisheries window is the time period when there is the least risk to trout and salmon present in the Cowichan River (spawning fish, eggs or alevins, or over-wintering juveniles).
North Cowichan is working closely with Cowichan Tribes, the Cowichan Valley Regional District, the City of Duncan, and the Cowichan Lake and River Stewardship Society to ensure all environmental concerns regarding the health and safety of the river are addressed.
Work will include:
- Construction of isolation berms
- Excavation and removal of gravel from the riverbed
- Placement of a gravel cushion over exposed pipes
- Installation of riprap to form upstream and downstream sills
- Armouring to reinforce the south side dike
- Restoration of all disturbed areas
North Cowichan and its regional partners are committed to protecting public infrastructure and ensuring the delivery of water services, as well as to the protection of the environment.