Vanderhoof Now a No Power Boat Zone

By 250 News

Vanderhoof has declared itself a no power boating zone.

The wake created by power boats is jeopardizing the integrity of the dike system that is in place to protect the community from the Nechako River.

The Nechako River through  Vanderhoof  has hit a new flow level of 760 cubic metres per second, that is well above the flow level  experienced in 1976  (748cms) when the community suffered extensive flood damage.

Alcan says the reservoir level has dropped a little, but the level is expected to climb again because of precipitation and warmer temperatures that will further reduce the record high snow-pack.  It is expected the flow levels through Vanderhoof will be in the 750 to 760 cubic metres per second range for at least another 3-4 weeks.

Neil Hamilton of the Provincial Emergency Co-Ordination centre has toured the Vanderhoof area and says the community has done an exceptional job in preparing for the high flows.  He told those at the emergency command centre in Vanderhoof that the community should be very proud of its efforts.

Now the focus is on 24 hour diligence to ensure the integrity of the dikes is not breached.  “If  a small problem arises, we can focus our efforts on making repairs “ says Tom Bulmer, Information Officer with the Command Centre.

“We are urging residents to come out tonight to the meeting at the Nechako Seniors Friendship Centre for an update on the situation.”

That meeting will get under way at 7 p.m.

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