Boat launch reopened, canoe launch closed

SASKATOON – The Saskatoon Fire Department has reopened the public boat launch.

The department closed the boat launch earlier in the week after the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency increased the outflow from the Gardiner Dam.

Flows reached over 1100 cubic metres per second (m3/s) and there were safety concerns.

Current river flow through the city is 1,000 m3/s and is expected to continue to fall.

Fire department officials are still urging everyone to exercise extreme caution in and around the South Saskatchewan River while water levels remain elevated.

While the public boat launch was being reopened, another one was closed.

Meewasin Valley Authority closed the Fred Heal canoe launch located on the east side of the river off Highway 219 until further notice.

Officials say river water is running above the road accessing the canoe launch.