UPDATE (9:15 am)
Most of the water from yesterday’s flooding in Downtown Peace River has subsided.
According to an update from the Town of Peace River, crews did not end up having to breach the dike as originally planned.
The town says due to the success of the overnight pumping, there was no need to break the dike.
Berms, temporary dams and roadblocks will be in place for at least 24 hours as officials assess the situation.
The roads closest to Riverfront Park are full of dirt and pebbled so the general public is asked to avoid the Pat’s Creek area.
Residents and those who work in the area are able to return but should ask an RCMP officer at the of the road blocks before proceeding.
UPDATE (12:55 am)
Water levels are dropping in Downtown Peace River.
Public Works began preparing to breach the dike near the washrooms in Riverfront Park at just after midnight to assist water pumping.
The town says this would allow the water to flow from the downtown area into the river, with the dike being repaired once water level subside.
Local RCMP, fire fighters, public works and town officials responding to a flood in the Pat’s Creek area.
In a statement, a spokesperson with the town says they suspect an ice jam in the Pat’s Creek Culvert led to overflowing around the 100 Avenue and 100 Street area of downtown.
The Town has called in contractors to assist and we are currently working to bring in tiger dams and earth berms to channel the water through the street towards Riverfront Park.
Crews will then pump the water out of the park and into the river.
Officials are also urging people to avoid the Pat’s Creek area at this time.
The state of emergency was signed by Mayor, Tom Tarpey, and Deputy Mayor, Eliane Manzer.
We will have more details as they become available.
– Kenny Trenton, Trending 55 Newsroom
