One of Oak Bay’s most popular beaches will look a little different this summer.
Starting in July, contractors will begin building an outfall – a pipe designed to discharge water from district storm drains – at Willows Beach.
“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. Beachgoers will be detoured up to the Esplanade walkway. Outside of these hours, fencing and signage will ensure those visiting Willows keep a safe distance from work sites.
This work is part of the first phase of the Estevan Utilities Project, which will see 125 metres of water main, 215 metres of sanitary sewer and 657 metres of storm main replaced 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.”
