EDMONTON – As Calgary gets ready to clean up its massive flood damage, Edmonton officials are issuing new warnings after some people have been getting too close to the North Saskatchewan river, which was put under flood watch on Friday.
The flood watch is still in effect for Edmonton and Devon. While the river in these areas did spill its banks, the damage pales in comparison to what parts of southern Alberta are dealing with.
Since cresting on Sunday, the North Saskatchewan water levels have dropped by a full metre. Despite that, the city says it’s still unsafe for people to go out on the water – as it’s flowing fast and is filled with debris.
“Absolutely dangerous at this point and unsafe to be on or near,” says Edmonton Fire Rescue’s Gregg Menard about the river.
Unfortunately, not everyone is heeding the warnings. Menard says rescue crews had to be deployed three times to the river this weekend.
“It was people on the river – just thinking it’s adventure time,” he explains. “Certainly there are water craft that are more stable, but certainly not a canoe nor an air mattress.”
He adds that these conditions can also be dangerous for rescue crews who have to go out to help those on the water.
Aside from being potentially hazardous to people’s safety, the damage that the flood in Edmonton has caused to one project in particular may prove to be costly.
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Construction crews building the northeast leg of the Henday had been working on a new bridge across the North Saskatchewan. On Sunday, after the river crested, water breached the cofferdam’s berms. filling the job site.
The damage could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. And if the piles are compromised, it may also mean a year’s delay for parts of the job.
River Valley trails also took a hit, many ending up submerged.
“We’re still struggling. All the trails below hard surface are covered in water,” says Darrell Reid with Edmonton Parks. ”It’s a long process.”
Thankfully, Edmonton’s residential neighbourhoods fared far better. In Riverdale, where crews dropped off 1,000 sandbags on Saturday as a precautionary measure, low-lying streets saw only a minimal amount of water. By Monday, the sandbags were being hauled away.
Other than staying away from the riverbanks and flooded trails, anyone who sees a flooded trail is asked to call 311. You can find further details about specific trail and park cautions or closures on the City’s website.
For more information on the condition of other river basins in Alberta, see the map and document below:
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