City cautions Edmontonians to stay away from North Saskatchewan River

Edmontonians have been advised to continue to avoid areas near the North Saskatchewan River.

Officials said the flood watch for the city remains in effect and crews have been taking precautionary measures to prepare for any flooding.

Mayor Stephen Mandel said residents needed to resist the urge to go near the water.

“Don’t go near the river,” he said adding the debris floating by was dangerous.

Crews have put sandbags in low lying areas including Riverdale and the Alf Savage Centre in Whitemud Creek.

They have also closed 102 Avenue at 87 Street in the Riverdale community.

Chris Ward with the City of Edmonton said they expected the water level to drop shortly.

“The river level has not risen to the point of actually causing us any flooding concerns,” he said adding crews would still have some cleaning up to do in the river valley.

“The water has crested up into some trail areas and we will have to cleanup those and assess those before we can reopen.”

It is expected to be a few days before trails will reopen.

Boat launches in the city are submerged and they have been closed.

With files from Jeff Harrington

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  Edmonton residents are being advised to avoid areas near the North Saskatchewan River and abide by any signs on river valley trails.

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  Edmonton's Queen Riverboat launch was flooded as waters rose in the North Saskatchewan River Sunday.

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  Waters are rising on the North Saskatchewan River. Photo courtesy: Steven Townsend

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  City of Edmonton officials are asking people to avoid the North Saskatchewan River as the city remains under a flood watch. Photo courtesy: Lance Taylor