Cumberland House prepared for rising waters

The people of Cumberland House are keeping a close eye on the river.

Increased flows that caused minor flooding throughout Prince Albert during the weekend are headed towards the community that is already struggling with water.

“Our major concern right now is trying to keep the highway open to the public and hopefully with the increased flow rates that are coming through. We’re certainly hoping that our highway will not be inundated with water,” said Andy McKay, the Mayor of Cumberland House.

Currently the water is getting close to the highway, but nothing has gone over it yet.

Workers have built dikes along the roadway and are working on completing berms around the community.

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They hope to be finished by the end of the week, McKay said.

The community itself shouldn’t be at risk, we’re hoping to not have water encroach on the town he said.

There are surveyors and contractors from the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority working in the community. McKay said they are being kept up-to-date on any changes.

“They constantly keep giving us updates (in) their conference call that takes place in the emergency operations centre daily.”

People in the community are maintaining their regular schedules, but everyone is keeping their fingers crossed that the current good weather will hold.

“The skies have cleared and I’m hoping the weather will co-operate with us, we certainly don’t need any more rain,” McKay said.

ahill@panow.com