Fraser Rising Along Shores Of South Fort George

By Michelle Cyr-Whiting

Residents living on Farrell Street prepare for the worst this evening

Members of Prince George Fire Rescue Services went door-to-door on Farrell Street this evening to advise residents to be cautious of the rising Fraser River.

The Ministry of Environment’s River Forecast Centre issued a revised river level forecast late this afternoon estimating the Fraser to rise to 8.4-metres between midnight tonight and 6am Thursday. 

It’s expected to peak at 9.0-metres by about 12-noon, meaning flooding in historically low-lying areas like Farrell Drive and nearby Paddlewheel Park.

Fire Rescue Services Captain Rob Ingham says flood awareness pamphlets were handed out to homeowners yesterday and officials spoke with everyone home this evening.

Ingham says, "Residents are the first line of defence."  So they’re asking people to take precautions, ensure that they know how to safely shut off their utilities, should water seep onto their property.

He says all the residents he spoke with have said they’re staying put for the time-being and, he says, there is no mandate to evacuate people at this point.  Ingham says crews will be making periodic checks through the area overnight.

The city delivered a load of sand to the end of Farrell Street, along with some bags, for residents looking to shore up their properties. 

Meantime, a steady stream of city residents came out to Paddlewheel Park this evening to see for themselves the fast-moving Fraser River, carrying everything from large trees to chunks of ice.

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