Water levels are expected to rise in and around Little Red River Park after water was released from Anglin Lake. (file photo/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Wet conditions

Officials monitoring water levels in and around Little Red Park

Jul 15, 2020 | 2:59 PM

UPDATE:

On Friday the City of P.A.reported the main entrance to Little Red River Park, off Highway 55 was re-opening as of 1 p.m. The rising water in the Spruce River that caused access to the park to be limited earlier this week has subsided, and it is now safe to access the park.

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The City of Prince Albert is keeping an eye on water levels at Little Red River Park.

This comes after the Water Security Agency (WSA) announced it would remove stop logs from a reservoir on Anglin Lake to allow more water out. The WSA said the move was needed due to high water levels which have been caused in part by wet weather conditions.

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Parks manager for the city Tim Yeaman confirmed they were alerted by the WSA about what was going on up stream. Yeaman said staff have been directed to monitor water levels and were prepared to make a decision within the next 24 hours about whether any closures may be needed.

“We certainly don’t want to put [the] public in a position where they’re trapped inside the park, especially in that lower bowl area, where it does potentially flood,” he said.

Wednesday afternoon the City of P.A. sent out a release announcing the closure of the main entrance to the park. The statement said access to the park will still be available through the upper flats and north parking lot.

Yeaman explained in situations like this there is not much that can be done to mitigate the effects. The parks manager said there is unlikely to be any threat to the Cosmo Lodge given where it is situated, but Yeaman said if the building were to be threatened, they would be prepared to protect it.

“We have the option to be able to contact the fire department and also the fire management centre… and work with them to get the equipment we need to protect the lodge,” he said.

The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure said the WSA got in contact with them beforehand to let them know water would be released. According to the ministry there are two bridges in and around the area which could be affected.

Steve Shaheen, senior communications consultant with Highways and Infrastructure said staff will be watching water levels and are prepared to take action if needed.

“The rising water levels are not expected to have any impact on the highway, if the situation changes of course, ministry officials will consider putting a detour in place,” he said.

Shaheen recommends drivers looking to head out to check the Highways Hotline.

The water running through the park has risen and was moving fast Wednesday. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn