A Halifax city official says residents downstream from the Lake Major Dam have been told they can return to their homes.
Residents near the dam, which is located just outside Halifax, were evacuated Saturday morning as crews moved in to repair damage caused by heavy rainfall on Dec. 10.
The city says repairs have been completed and residents of 135 homes in the area were given the OK to return at 5 p.m.
James Campbell, the communications and public relations coordinator for Halifax Water, said a contractor began work at 10 a.m.
Engineers were conducting a routine inspection Thursday when they noticed that a fish ladder on the side of the main dam was damaged.
Workers placed large rocks at the base of the dam and in the inside the fish ladder on Saturday in order to reinforce it.
Though Campbell said the main structure was sound, homes in the area were ordered to evacuate at 8 a.m. Saturday as a “precautionary” measure.
With the exception of a family who did not want to leave their home, Campbell told CTV News Channel that the area was fully cleared. The family who chose to remain was properly informed about the level of risk, Campbell said.
“Everybody’s out of the potential flood zone,” he said.
Those who evacuated had the option of going to a comfort station or hotel.
The Halifax Regional Municipality also said four out of six bridges around the dam would be closed on Saturday.
With files from the Canadian Press
