The sinkhole in Seawatch Lane is now fixed and the District of Sechelt is satisfied so they plan to take ownership of the lane in the next few weeks.
"From a procedure point of view there are still a few reviews and sign offs and so on, but I would envision that we will assume responsibility for it in the next several weeks," Sechelt Mayor John Henderson said.
Because the District did not take control of the roadway earlier, the developer, Concordia Seawatch Ltd., was ultimately deemed responsible to fix the sinkhole, which opened on Seawatch Lane in June of 2012.
Ron Davis, co-owner of Concordia Seawatch, said the approximately 1.5-metre wide, three-metre deep sinkhole was fixed following strict advice from Golder and Associates, the geotechnical engineering firm hired to find a fix.
"The source of the sinkhole was identified as an underground water course, which was then permanently controlled using a 'filter cake' system.This processallows water to flow from the associated natural spring yet restricts silts and sands, leaving no opportunity for recurrence," Davis said.
"The hole in the road was repaired using a high tensile geotextile (strong enough to withstand the weight of a fully loadedgravel truck) as added assurance.In Golder's opinion the sinkhole and its source have been permanently fixed."
Henderson said the District is satisfied with the solution.
"It was done, of course, under the close supervision of the developer's engineers, and our staff monitored their work, and we're all happy," he said.
While residents of the homes currently in the Concordia Seawatch development already have to disclose the geotechnical reports about the area when they sell, Sechelt council made a motion that Concordia Seawatch does the same this week.
At their Oct. 2 council meeting, councillors voted to attach new covenants to each parcel presently owned by Concordia.
"The new covenant's sole purpose is to put purchasers on notice of the geotechnical issues relating to the land and to have the purchasers accept the risks associated with the lands," a report from the director of corporate services read.
Davis hopes the negativity surrounding his project due to the sinkhole will now pass, noting he's proud of the work done onsite.
"I find that the most common fear is the fear of the unknown, so onthat front, I offer to give a tour to any interested partyof the works done to mitigate the natural spring and sinkhole. It is actually quite interesting," Davis said.
To book a tour, contact Davis at [email protected].
