Mayor Melissa Blake says the municipality may declare a state of local emergency because of flooding in the Lower Townsite.
The declaration would allow them to access resources from the province, and enforce any evacuation order if one is issued.
She adds, “I’ve had calls from several ministers with the province absolutely lending their support to the situation that is here.”
Fire Chief Darby Allen says their response to the flood was as fast as possible.
“Whether to sand bag or not is a bit of a technical question, and it takes a lot of time and energy to move sandbags from one location to another,” he said. “Sometimes it’s an easier option to knock on doors and ask people to leave that location.”
Waterways and Draper are still under voluntary evacuation notices.
The Hangingstone River has been upgraded from a flood watch to a flood warning.
The Clearwater River remains on a flood watch.
More than 40 people have registered at the evacuation site at Frank Lacroix Arena in Beacon Hill.
RMWB CAO Glen Laubenstein says this is unprecedented for the area, as floods usually occur during a river break.
He says earlier sand bags could have washed away with the fast- flowing water.
The local landfill has been temporarily closed as well.
Keyano says the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre will be closed until Monday.
More details will be added as they come.
June 11th, 2013
