Chemainus farmer reports river gravel buildup causing flooding

Don Allingham, a farmer in Chemainus, has expressed concerns regarding the significant changes to the Chemainus River flowing through his 30-acre property. Over the past 60 years, Allingham has observed a gradual but substantial accumulation of gravel within the riverbed, which he says has choked the channel.

This buildup has resulted in shallower waters, changes to the river's course, increased bank erosion, and more severe flooding. Allingham noted that while gravel bars were routinely removed in the 1960s and 1970s, such maintenance has largely ceased over the last few decades. Consequently, floodwaters now extend much further inland than in previous years, forcing him to keep farm equipment elevated on pallets to prevent damage.

The Municipality of North Cowichan stated that mitigation work was previously completed, funded by the Province following a November 2021 atmospheric river event. This work included excavating a former channel and removing sediment and gravel from specific areas. However, the Municipality noted that the Province has not planned any follow-up work at this time.