Residents back but evacuation alerts remain for Campbell River buildings

Photo: Phil Zimmerman

Residents of two Campbell River buildings who were evacuated after landslides last week have returned to their homes.

But evacuation alerts remain in place as the city studies the problem of an unstable slope at the rear of the property.

A hillside behind condominiums and a rental apartment building gave way after rains last Tuesday night and carried soil, trees, and rocks into one of the building’s carport structures.

The evacuation order for the properties at 738 and 758 Island Highway South property was lifted Saturday. A local state of emergency and evacuation alert remains in effect while an investigation into what caused the slide is underway.

The city said it will provide updates as the investigation involving geotechnical engineers continues.

“Thank you to the residents of the affected buildings for their patience and co-operation as the city completed the necessary work to ensure it was safe to return to the site,” Campbell River director of operations Hadfield said in a statement on Monday. “I’d also like to thank the supporting agencies, staff and volunteers for their incredible efforts to make the return happen as efficiently as possible.”

About 30 residents of the condominium building and a neighbouring rental apartment building at 758 Island Highway South were evacuated. No one was injured.

Heavy equipment was at the site on Saturday clearing debris.