Dike operation and maintenance

Over a hundred local governments, diking districts, Crown corporations, senior government agencies and other entities own and operate public diking systems in British Columbia. Under common law and in accordance with pertinent legislation, these organizations are responsible for dike operation and maintenance, including:

• Periodic inspection
• Performance monitoring
• Repairs and replacement
• Contingency emergency planning
• Dike flood patrol
• Emergency measures

If a new dike is proposed to be constructed in B.C., the construction will only be approved if the local government agrees to become the diking authority, and become responsible for ownership, operation and maintenance of the dike.

Operation and maintenance manuals

As part of dike construction projects, including major changes to existing dikes, it is usually necessary to prepare or update an operation and maintenance manual. The following documents provide templates for creating a manual:

• Operation and Maintenance Manual for New Works (PDF, 185KB)
• Operation and Maintenance Manual for Existing Works (PDF, 770KB)