MONDAY JUNE 24TH: CITY READIES FOR HIGH WATER: REMINDS CITIZENS TO STAY OFF RIVER As high water flows continue through Saskatoon for the coming days, the City reminds its visitors and citizens that activity in and around the river should be avoided immediately for themselves and their pets. No safety net is in place as the strong current has broken the river boom upstream from the weir – now hidden and extremely hazardous. Swimming in the South Saskatchewan River is prohibited within city limits. The strong river current, a shifting riverbed, and steep, slippery banks makes playing and swimming in the river extremely dangerous – if not fatal – in the present situation. The Water Security Agency began releasing 2000 m3/s at noon on Saturday, June 22, 2013. The river has risen approximately 30 cm (1’) above what the city experienced in 2005. This flow rate has not been experienced in Saskatoon in more than 100 years. To ensure the public has accurate and timely information about the river flows, the City has partially activated its Emergency Operations Centre. Additionally, the City is working with the provincial agency, Emergency Management Fire Safety (EMFS) in the design and placement of barricades for core infrastructure such as the Waste Water Treatment Plant, Water Treatment Plant, and lift stations. As always, the City of Saskatoon Emergency Measures Organization is communicating closely with the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency and EMFS to monitor the situation, make necessary adjustments, and keep citizens well informed as new information is received. Saskatoon’s Water Supply The City would like to reassure citizens that the water supply remains safe and everyone can expect to continue to have access to high-quality water. Wildlife Because their habitat has been flooded, people may encounter more wildlife as animals move into built-up areas. Drivers and citizens should be alert as animals may be seeking refuge on higher ground. Road & Trail Closures Because of the rising water, the City of Saskatoon is taking precautionary measures, particularly for low-lying areas around the South Saskatchewan riverbank. For the safety of our residents, the City has restricted access, with barricades, to lower- lying roads and parts of the Meewasin Valley Trail where flooding is expected. The following locations are closed until further notice: 1. Spadina Crescent and the Meewasin Valley Trail near Ravine Drive. The road is closed at Ravine Drive and the Meewasin Park North shelter. Access to the parking lot will be maintained. 2. The lower trail at the Mendel Art Gallery where it connects to the upper trail, including access to the Shearwater Tours dock and the Mendel Lookout. 3. River Landing lower trail between the Traffic Bridge and the Sid Buckwold Bridge. 4. The public boat launch in Kiwanis Park, north of the Broadway Bridge, is closed. 5. Spadina Crescent underneath the Broadway Bridge is closed. These areas will be monitored, along with other known lower areas, and further closures may be required in order to ensure the safety of citizens. The City of Saskatoon thanks citizens for their cooperation. Please remember, in an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Jun 2013 18:54:56 +0000
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