Businesses On South Side of McAloney Road Evacuated

By 250 News

City crews and contractors were busy Thursday night and Friday morning working to mitigate effects of rising water on the Nechako River as a result of the ice jam that formed earlier this week.

Conditions continued to change over the course of Thursday evening and Friday morning as river levels west of Cameron Street Bridge caused an evacuation order to be issued to properties on the south side of McAloney Road at 8:30 p.m. The action was taken as the water level threatened access to the businesses in that area, although it is hoped the businesses won’t be affected by the rising water.

Most of the businesses in that area had already taken precautions and were ready to move when the order was issued.

Meanwhile, city crews worked near River Road throughout the evening to open channels in an effort to get water away from affected areas. A channel was opened and water has been flowing through the channel away from River Road back into the Nechako, where open water continued to exist overnight.

However, a shift in the ice just before 10 p.m. Thursday caused an increased flow of water onto River Road toward the west end of the industrial area. City crews and members of the Provincial Emergency Program and Ministry of Environment assessed the situation, and a snow dam was built by city workers and contractors that stopped most of the flow. After that action was taken, a slight lowering of the water levels at the west end of River Road was observed. That site will be reassessed first thing this morning.

Water levels continue to fluctuate unpredictably and people are urged to avoid areas near the Nechako River. Levels in the Pozer Road area continue to rise and fall. After an initial reduction in river levels Thursday morning, the level rose about a foot over the course of Thursday afternoon. During the evening the river level stabilized. The extent of the jam will be reassessed this morning.

City crews continue to deliver large quantities of sand and sandbags to houses and commercial and industrial properties at the request of the landowners or residents.

The City is also establishing a volunteer registry for citizens who wish to help those affected by the rising waters to fill and place sandbags. Please contact the Service Centre at 561-7600 for further information on how to register. It is important to register through the Service Centre if you wish to become a volunteer.

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