Anderton Wall FAQ's
Questions
- What area is at greatest risk?
- Is there risk to properties across Anderton Avenue?
- Is there risk to the Fifth Street Bridge?
- Why is the movement of the wall a concern?
- What might a partial or total failure look like?
- Are there plans for the buildings located in the area of greatest risk (Anderton Arms Apartment Building and former Cona Hostel)?
- Are there risks to the riverside fit park and new equipment there?
Answers
-
What area is at greatest risk?
The area behind the sheet pile section of the retaining wall is at greatest risk. Impacted residents and building owners have been notified directly.
The risk of failure is much lower behind the concrete section of the Anderton Avenue Retaining Wall. Impacts to Riverside Park, the Riverside Fit Park, and the Anderton Sanitary Lift Station are not expected.
-
Is there risk to properties across Anderton Avenue?
Impacts to Anderton Avenue, and properties on the west side of Anderton Avenue, including: the Filberg Centre, 355 Anderton Avenue, and 255 Anderton Avenue are highly unlikely. Impacts to Lewis Park, located across the river are also highly unlikely.
-
Is there risk to the Fifth Street Bridge?
The foundation of the 5th Street Bridge is not at risk; however, debris may damage the bridge, if a rapid collapse were to occur.
-
Why is the movement of the wall a concern?
The Anderton Avenue Retaining Wall amours land from river flows while supporting backfill for properties along the river. The backfill behind the wall has been sinking and slumping toward the river. This is a concern, because buildings can only withstand a certain amount of movement before they become unsafe to occupy.
Replenishing the backfill has extended the service life of the wall, but the Courtenay River continues to wash away soil from behind the structure. Replacing the backfill does not stabilize the wall in the event of a flood or seismic event.
-
What might a partial or total failure look like?
Failure may be a gradual slide toward the river; or a rapid collapse, caused by a flood or seismic event.
-
Are there plans for the buildings located in the area of greatest risk (Anderton Arms Apartment Building and former Cona Hostel)?
Building owners and residents have been notified of the risk to the area. Staff are working to determine best path forward. Impacted property owners and residents will receive updates from the City as next steps are determined.
-
Are there risks to the riverside fit park and new equipment there?
Impacts to Riverside Fit Park are highly unlikely. Riverside Park is located behind the concrete section of the Anderton Ave Retaining Wall, which is more stable. However, the area may be impacted if a collapse were to occur, and the new equipment could be moved if necessary.