Oak Bay, B.C. – This July, crews from Don Mann Excavating will begin construction of an outfall at Willows Beach at the end of Estevan Avenue. This work is part of the District of Oak Bay’s Estevan Utilities Project, which includes the replacement of storm, sewer and water mains along Estevan Avenue from Willows Beach to Heron Street, and Lincoln Road from Estevan to Burdick Avenue.
“The existing storm system in the area is undersized,” said Steve Rennick, Director of Engineering and Public Works “and this work will ensure that the storm mains can handle existing flows as well as future growth anticipated for Oak Bay.”
During outfall construction, beachgoers will be detoured up to the Esplanade walkway. Outside of work hours, fencing and signage will ensure beachgoers keep a safe distance from work sites.
“We know that Willows Beach is a popular gathering spot throughout the year, and we thank the community for their understanding as crews complete this essential work,” said Steve Rennick.
While we know summer is a popular time to visit Willows Beach, summer was selected for construction due to favourable weather and tides, and Federal fisheries regulations. Most planned construction will take place between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. If work is required outside of these hours due to tides, crews will aim to minimize disruption to the public.
Materials will begin to gather on-site during the first week of July. While Willows Beach will remain open to the public, the District of Oak Bay asks beachgoers to respect and follow signage and fencing during construction.
Work on the outfall is anticipated to be complete by late summer, with completion of phase one of the project anticipated for the end of the year.
This work is part of the first phase of the Estevan Utilities Project, replacing 125 metres of water main, 215 metres of sanitary sewer and 657 metres of storm main. On January 20, 2025, Oak Bay Council awarded the contract for phase one to Don Mann Excavating and work began in March 2025.
More information on this capital project can be found by visiting: https://www.oakbay.ca/building-infrastructure/projects-public-works/ -30-
For media inquiries, call:
Hayley Goodgrove
Manager of Communications
hgoodgrove@oakbay.ca
778-677-9589