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Thursday, June 24, 2010 — THE MEDICINE HAT NEWS


PORTER'S HILL News photo Emma Bennett


Farmland located near Porter's Hill is inundated with water from the Ross Creek. Photo is taken looking north from East Glen.


PARADISE VALLEY GOLF COURSE


News Photo Emma Bennett Flood waters rush past the Paradise Valley Club House, which is located north of Southridge by the Medicine Hat tourism offi ce. Sandbags are placed to protect the club house however a nearby bridge to access the pro shop is washed away.


■ www.medicinehatnews.com ■ www.medicinehatnews.sabphotostore.com MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2010


Offi cials wait and watch fl ood waters


ANGUS HENDERSON ahenderson@medicinehatnews.com


The words of former New York Yankee great, Yogi Berra — “it ain’t over ‘til it’s over” — could well apply to the last of the fl ooding in Medicine Hat.


But that looks like it’ll all come to an end, fi nally, sometime Tuesday, according to Environment Canada’s latest forecast.


On Monday, the city remained under a local state of emergency, according to Medicine Hat Fire Chief Ron Robinson, who appeared at a press conference for the city’s emergency operations centre.


Robinson cautioned that although the water levels of the South Saskatchewan River, and the three creeks running north from the Cypress Hills are decreasing, that could change with any additional moisture.


Robinson also pointed out that Environment Canada had forecast up to 30 mm of rain through to the end of Monday.


“It’s anticipated that the rain will cause the water levels to rise once again,” he stressed. “Residents are asked to stay away from the water and all barricaded areas, and to please heed all road and park closure notices for safety purposes.”


He also warned that although water levels might be receding, safety concerns still existed as many of the river and creek embankments are unstable.


Residents were also asked to stay away from closed areas in the city’s parks, in order to protect the integrity of the parks.


“For residences or businesses affected by evacuation, you are being advised not to return to your homes or businesses at this time,” Robinson continued.


“If there’s standing water, power or gas utility shut-off, or sewer back-up, a safety hazard exists and inspections will be required before it’s determined safe for you to re- occupy your homes.”


He also noted that the city had established a team of inspectors to facilitate the process, and that affected residents could fi nd out more information by contacting the fl ood information line at 403-502-8900.


Residents who have experienced water seepage in their


News Photo Alex McCuaig Medicine Hat Fire Chief Ron Robinson updates reporters on developments in the region's fl ooding on Monday, June 21.


basements were asked to contact Alberta Health Services, as staff will provide advice to guide them through the clean-up process. That contact number is 403-502-8205.


Robinson reported too that city crews had completed their water testing and concluded that there were no safety concerns with the city’s drinking water.


Boil water advisories, however, remained in place in Cypress County for hamlets of Veinerville and Walsh, and the water pump for Veinerville remained shut off.


In addition, he reported that transit routes have been disrupted in the city and that updated routes have been posted on the city website. Information can also be obtained by phoning 403-529-8214.


The city’s evacuation centre at the Stampede Grounds was also reported closed, but Robinson stressed it could be re- opened within 15 minutes if required.


All fl ood-related messages and associated important phone numbers, including road closures, are being updated regularly on the city’s website at


www.medicinehat.ca.


There’s also a Medicine Hat/Irvine & Area Flood Relief group on Facebook, aimed at providing assistance and support to those area residents affected by the recent fl ooding.


Aid negotiations underway


ALEX MCCUAIG amccuaig@medicinehatnews.com


Just as Agriculture Minister Jack Hayden began a press conference outside the Medicine Hat emergency response centre Monday, the fi rst rain showers began to fall in more than 48 hours on the city.


“Everybody can see what is happening with the weather here now. We’ve got rain again today,” said Hayden during the morning news conference.


“(With) the rain events that we get now, my concern is that it’s going to cause tributaries to build up again.”


JACK HAYDEN


The Drumheller MLA had just fi nished meeting with agriculture service board members from Cypress County and County of 40 Mile and stated the fl ood damage is compounded by the number of fi elds yet to seed.


“Because of the time of year that we are in, there are very few options (left) for people to seed.”


Hayden called the fl ooding “unprecedented” and added the province is in negotiations with the federal government to assist with fl ood aid to farmers. However, he said agriculture aid programs currently available may not have enough funds to cover the widespread fl ooding across the provinces.


“I don’t believe it’s funded to a high enough degree federally that it’s going to look after the situation we’re dealing with for fl ooding this year in the prairie provinces.”


Hayden added discussions between himself and his federal counterpart — as well as federal and provincial treasure boards — with have to take place “to ask for support for the people who are out there.”


Cypress - Medicine Hat MLA Len Mitzel, expressed personal concern about many of his county neighbours suffering from the fl ooding.


“There is worry, fear, frustration — they all know there is another storm coming and so they are on high alert and they’re on pins and needles.”


Rob Renner, Medicine Hat MLA, remarked on the array of damage to the I-XL plant but remained confi dent things would get better.


“The river and the creek levels have both gone down...and the forecast for 20 to 40 millimeters. If it sticks to 20 to 40 millimeters we’re probably OK.”


41027073•06/24/10


55517751•06/11/10


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