The City of Brandon Emergency Response Control Group continues to monitor the Assiniboine River and prepare for the potential of flooding in low-lying areas along the river corridor in Brandon.
Installation of the clay “plug” required to close the dike opening at intersection of 18th Street North and Grand Valley Road (Provincial Road #459) is now complete and the dike system is being closely monitored. City of Brandon Parks & Recreation Services has CLOSED PUBLIC ACCESS to Queen Elizabeth Park and Dinsdale Park as a public safety measure. All public are asked to respect the barricades and signage that have been put in place in these greenspaces and are further asked to stay away from the Assiniboine River and STAY OFF of the dike infrastructure during this time.
As of noon Thursday, the Assiniboine River was measured at an elevation of 1,174.5 feet above sea level, measured at First Street. Due to the heavy rainfall experienced in the Westman area this week, provincial projections have placed the Assiniboine River’s peak as high as 1,177 feet above sea level, measured at First Street, and is anticipated to arrive anywhere between July 5th and July 8th.
River levels are updated daily at http://opengov.brandon.ca/catalog.php?dataset=riverlevel
However, due to these recent heavy rains, there is heightened concern about flash flooding in the Assiniboine River Valley, especially related to the Little Saskatchewan River. Based on the Province of Manitoba’s expressed lack of confidence in the Rivers Dam and the potential for flash flooding of areas downstream of the Rivers Dam, evacuation preparation notices have now been delivered to several hundred homes and several dozen businesses in the area between 1st Street North and 26th Street North, from Stickney Avenue all the way north to Galbraith Crescent. It is important to note that an evacuation of these areas has NOT been ordered at this time. However, these preparation notices have been issued proactively in order to ensure residents and businesses are prepared IF flash flooding occurs. In the event of an evacuation order, residents will be notified as follows:
– The City of Brandon’s emergency alerting siren
– Local radio stations
– The City of Brandon website (https://www.brandon.ca/)
– City of Brandon Facebook and Twitter
– In-person door-to-door visitations
The Emergency Response Control Group wishes to provide an important clarification today: the City of Brandon’s earthen dike system has a confirmed elevation of 1,186 feet above sea level, measured at First Street. The dike system’s elevation was inadvertently referenced at 1,184 feet above sea level at First Street in recent public notices.
Additional information on Assiniboine River levels and any changes in the status of potential flash flooding in the Assiniboine River Valley will be made available at https://www.brandon.ca/ as it is confirmed.
