EDMONTON- Residents from six homes in Red Deer have been ordered to leave due to rising water levels on the Red Deer River.
The affected homes are located on 40th Avenue, adjacent to the McKenzie Trail Recreation Area. Residents were given mandatory evacuation notices around 11:00 a.m. Saturday.
“The berm built in the area breached this morning and river levels are continuing to rise,” said City Manager Craig Curtis. “City crews have been working all morning to repair the berm, and protection of people is of primary importance.”
Members of the RCMP have been called in to ensure the safety of residents near the Red Deer River. The city is also increasing police visibility around bridges, parks and trails near the river to keep people at a safe distance.
“We understand that naturally, people want to view the situation themselves. Unfortunately, some residents are gathering too closely to the river banks and putting themselves at risk,” Curtis explained.
Drivers are also reminded to keep their eyes on the road while driving across bridges.
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Evacuation notices are still in place at the Lions Campground, but people are reminded to be on alert should further evacuations become necessary.
And while water levels on the Red Deer River remain lower than originally expected, a flood warning for the city remains in effect.
As water levels remain unpredictable, Fountain Drive has been closed to traffic and barricades have been set up at the entrance, the city said Saturday morning. However, access for area residents will be maintained.
“The water levels are rising and the road closure is a precautionary measure to ensure resident’s safety,” said Curtis. “Based on the latest information we have, it is estimated the peak flow on the river will be mid-day today.
“Things can rapidly change and we continue to monitor the situation.”
Bower Ponds and Great Chief Park are also closed to ensure public safety.
With the current flood risk, some special events scheduled for this weekend have been cancelled, including Bark at the Bend, the Foster Family BBQ, Summer Sundays in the Park at Bower Ponds and the Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes at Heritage Ranch.
The City continues to receive updates from Alberta Environment and the Dickson Dam about the impact and timing of potential flooding. As the situation at the Dickson Dam changes on an ongoing and regular basis, Red Deer continues to adapt and modify its forecasting of potential flood areas.
For the latest information, residents can check The City’s website, Facebook and Twitter accounts.
In high stream flow and flood conditions, the river bank can become extremely unstable. For personal safety purposes, residents should stay away from the river until further notice.
The City has closed access to its major trail heads and warns people to stay off all of the trails, including those at Three Mile Bend, Bower Ponds and River Bend. The CPR pedestrian bridge is also closed.
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