The Sturgeon River is slowly receding after recent heavy rains, but trails, parks, and sports fields in St. Albert remain underwater. The City of St. Albert is receiving assistance from the provincial government, borrowing barricades to prevent the river from flooding nearby homes and businesses.
Provincial Support and Ongoing Risks
According to a city spokesperson, the borrowed barricades are being strategically placed along vulnerable sections of the riverbank. Officials emphasize that while water levels are dropping, the risk of localized flooding persists due to saturated ground and potential debris jams. Residents are urged to avoid flooded areas and adhere to closure signs.
Noah Rishaug reported that seven people are in hospital after a vehicle flipped over during a collision in North York, though that incident is unrelated to the flooding. In Brantford, former patients of a dentist are being urged to get tested for blood-borne infections. Meanwhile, Vancouver police arrested a man in the Granville Pedestrian Zone after several complaints.
Flood Impact on Recreation
The flooding has closed multiple recreational areas, including popular trails along the Sturgeon River, several parks, and sports fields. The city has not provided a timeline for reopening, stating that assessments will continue as water recedes. Residents are advised to check the city's website for updates on closures.
In other news, Switzerland advanced to the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals after a penalty shootout win over Colombia at B.C. Place. Sportsnet 960 and 660 News are among radio stations closed by Rogers Sports and Media. Health officials warn that Alberta health cards are not obsolete, dismissing text messages claiming otherwise.
Broader Weather and Safety Concerns
Manitoba strawberry farms have been devastated by unprecedented rainfall, with one farmer stating, “We’ve never seen rain like this.” In Kenora, cleanup continues after a storm ripped through Ontario and Manitoba. A possible tornado left a path of destruction at a Bayfield trailer park, with a resident describing, “It sure twisted things up.”
Officials stand by safety warnings after a weekend rescue on high rivers, emphasizing the danger of swift currents. In Regina, an officer-involved shooting is under investigation by SIRT. A Saskatchewan woman says her brother waited six weeks for a long-term care bed.
Other Regional Incidents
A Durham police constable-in-training is dead and another is critical after a crash near the Ontario Police College. Waterloo Region unlocked new water capacity ahead of schedule. A woman faces weapons and drug charges amid an ongoing security dragnet in Pelican Narrows. An angry father refused to leave a Timmins school after his son declined to see him.
Late winter storms cost the city $7.8 million, according to a report. One person died after a crash on the Confederation Line in Sarnia. The Windsor-Essex Humane Society marks 100 years with a centennial garden and fundraising milestone. A dirt bike driver doing wheelies is sought by police. A B.C. man defrauded investors and must pay $300,000 to the securities regulator.
Campbell River RCMP is appealing for witnesses after what they call disrespectful downtown damage. A group bidding on Chateau Montebello presented an upped bid to purchase the iconic property. One person died after a fire engulfed three houses in Coquitlam’s Maillardville neighbourhood. An investigator says video shows a defendant going onto a roof to kill Charlie Kirk.
