In light on ongoing heavy rain, please note the following:
- Contact Engineering and Public Works at 250-414-7108 if you spot excessive flooding on Esquimalt roads;
- Exercise caution on the roads and if the road is severely flooded, please don’t drive in pool;
- Please avoid splashing pedestrians and cyclists if there is water in the gutters or pooled on the road;
- Be aware that manholes, vaults and such in the sidewalks will be slippery and to exercise caution;
- If you see a catch basin clogged with leaves, feel free to remove the leaves;
- A number of pump stations are experience near overflow conditions. Public Works staff are on site with vacuum trucks to control the flows.
- See weather alerts for B.C.
Property drainage tips
- Clear your gutters and downspouts of all leaves and debris. Ensure that they remain clear through the winter.
- Have your drain system cleaned and repaired if necessary. Remember, drain tiles will plug over time with mud, silt or roots, and in some cases, may even fail due to age.
- Ensure that any surface drain, such as those located at the bottom of driveways and stairwells, are clear of mud and debris and remain clear throughout the winter
The township’s public works staff will make every effort to keep roadside catch basins clear. Please help township crews by keeping leaf piles away from curbs, gutters and storm drains to prevent clogging and flooding.
In case of flooding
Esquimalt’s Engineering and Public Works Department is responsible for the maintenance and repair of municipal storm and sanitary sewers.
If you see a problem involving sewers and drains, please call us at 250-414-7108 during office hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday). We are also on call 7 days per week and 24 hours per day to deal with emergencies. After regular business hours (noted above) please call 250-995-7654.
Sand bags
A limited supply of sand and bags are located at the Esquimalt Public Works Yard (601 Canteen Road) for residents to fill (M-F, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. unless conditions change). Shovels are available as well.
- Residents are responsible for filling their bags;
- Residents are responsible for disposing of the sand and bag;
- Do not deposit sand in the storm system or in parks;
- Sandbags should not be filled and stockpiled for future use as the soil or sand that fills them will degrade the bags quickly;
- There are alternatives to sand bags available at many hardware stores; and
- See tips on using sand bags.
We ask residents to enter at the Canteen Road entrance, park in the visitor parking and check in at the office. A staff member will help residents retrieve the empty bags and make sure they are navigating the yard safely.
Owners are responsible for sewer and drain laterals on their (private) property and within private easements. Learn more.
- For more information, please contact Engineering & Public Works at 250-414-7108