Farrell Street residents have been warned they might have to evacuate their homes due to flooding from the Fraser River.
The street in the South Fort George community near Paddlewheel Park borders a section of the river which is prone to breaking its banks virtually every year and with spring runoffs expected to reach between 9.6 and 9.8 metres this weekend the evacuation order was signed by Mayor Lyn Hall as a precaution.
With river levels currently at 9.2 metres, Prince George Fire Rescue members hand-delivered evacuation alert notices to the affected Farrell Street homes, which have in the past experienced flooding when river levels exceed 9.0 metres.
To help residents prepare for higher water the city has made a supply of sand and sandbags available to the residents at the north end of the street. An evacuation alert notifies residents of an imminent risk to their property and personal well-being. The water could result in properties becoming inaccessible to emergency vehicles.
If an evacuation order is issued by the city, all affected residents will be required to leave immediately. Residents are advised to have an emergency kit packed in case they have to leave their homes on short notice.
The city announced Paddlewheel Park has been closed.
With river levels continuing to rise with the spring melt in the Nechako and Fraser rivers, the city has already closed sections of the Heritage River Trail and Cottonwood Island Park. The Heritage trail is closed from the trailhead east of the Cottonwood Island riverboat launch to Taylor Drive. All three bridges in Cottonwood Island Park are closed to the public, as is the access road to the canoe launch.
People are advised to use caution when walking on any trail near the rivers. More information is available at www.princegeorge.ca/emergency.
