As locals lounged on Willows Beach in sun hats and bathing suits on Tuesday, construction crews were hard at work behind them.
During the first week of July, contractors began building a new outfall, which will discharge water from the district's storm drains into the Salish Sea.
“The existing storm system in the area is undersized,” Steve Rennick, Oak Bay’s director of engineering and public works, said in a news release. “This work will ensure that the storm mains can handle existing flows as well as future growth anticipated for Oak Bay.”
The project – slated for completion towards the end of the summer – includes the replacement of storm, sewer and water mains along Estevan Avenue from Willows Beach to Heron Street, and Lincoln Road from Estevan Avenue to Burdick Avenue.
Most planned construction will take place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., during which beachgoers will be detoured up to the Esplanade walkway. Outside of working hours, fencing and signage will ensure those visiting Willows Beach keep a safe distance from the construction sites.
This work is part of the first phase of the Estevan Utilities Project, which will replace 125 metres of water main, 215 metres of sanitary sewer and 657 metres of storm main in Oak Bay.
“We know that Willows Beach is a popular gathering spot throughout the year,” Rennick said in the same news release. “We thank the community for their understanding as crews complete this essential work.”
