Above: Tom Clark spoke with Minister of State for Finance Ted Menzies to discuss the federal government’s role in the ongoing flooding crisis in Alberta.
EDMONTON- The state of local emergency was lifted in Red Deer Sunday morning, as water levels on the Red Deer River continue to decrease.
“We are happy to say that the worst is behind us,” said Deputy Mayor Tara Veer. “We have fared very well, considering the devastation that’s taken place in other Alberta communities. We have some cleanup work to do, but we can now free up some equipment and personnel to help out our fellow communities affected by the flood.”
The state of local emergency was first declared at 8 p.m. on Friday. The move came following a flood warning that was issued upon receiving notice that Alberta Environment would release a significant amount of water from the Dickson Dam.
An evacuation order for nearby homes was also lifted Sunday.
Six homes along 40 Avenue, adjacent to the McKenzie Trail Recreation Area received evacuation notices on Saturday. But residents were allowed to return home Sunday morning.
Evacuation orders are still in effect at the Lions Campground, though.
City officials say water levels on the Red Deer River continue to decrease; they’ve dropped by more than 40 centimetres since peaking at 9:00 p.m. Saturday night.
The city says Sunday night’s rain and scattered showers in the short term forecast are not expected to have any significant impact on water levels.
Public access to major trails remained closed Sunday, including those at Three Mile Bend, Bower Ponds, and River Bend. Great Chief Park, Bower Ponds, and the CPR pedestrian bridge are also closed to the public.
The Kerry Wood Nature Centre, however, will reopen at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, the city said.
Riverside Drive has been reopened to traffic.
Fountain Drive, the main access to Bower Ponds and Great Chief Park, remained closed to all but local traffic.
The city remains in contact with Alberta Environment and the Dickson Dam. Water levels on the Red Deer River are still high and moving quickly. Residents are reminded to continue to stay away from the river.
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