City of Brandon Continuing to Monitor Assiniboine River Levels


April 9, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brandon, MB – The City of Brandon’s Emergency Response Team continues to monitor Assiniboine River levels as it awaits the anticipated river crest within the next 24 to 48 hours. As of mid-morning, the Assiniboine River was sitting at 1,178.68 feet above sea level, measured at First Street. Indications from Manitoba Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre are that the Assiniboine River in Brandon may reach peak level of approximately 1,180.0 feet, measured at First Street, either today or tomorrow (Monday, April 10th).

Work to close the dike at the intersection of Grand Valley Road (Provincial Road #459) at 18th Street North should be complete later today. Once the work is complete, Grand Valley Road will be protected to the same level as all other areas along the City’s dike system. Crews continue to monitor outfalls and pumps along the river corridor to address any water seepage or pooling that may occur. Meanwhile, Manitoba Infrastructure has finished placing aqua dams along First Street North and will continue to monitor the area to ensure the road can be kept open to traffic.

Given the peak projections, the City of Brandon does not intend to evacuate any residential or commercial areas of the river corridor at this time. However, public safety remains the City’s primary concern and should it become necessary, clear direction will be given to all impacted individuals and the public at-large.

A strong reminder to the public to stay away from the Assiniboine River and off the entire dike system to allow heavy machinery and construction crews safe and unobstructed access to the river. All public access into Dinsdale Park and Queen Elizabeth Park (including the Queen Elizabeth Park entrance at 26th Street North) is STRICTLY PROHIBITED until further notice. Barricades are up in these areas and are being monitored to ensure public adherence. Officials at the Wheat City Golf Course and Recreation Centre have closed off public access to the course and the public are asked to respect all signage and barricades placed in the course's parking lot until the peak has passed.

Morning and afternoon river level readings continue to be taken at First Street and will be published on the City of Brandon’s website here: http://intriverlevel.brandon.ca/.