The City of Prince George expanded its local state of emergency Saturday afternoon after reviewing the status of the Nechako River, which has been partially blocked by an ice jam for the past six days.

The expanded declaration of a local state of emergency includes: Pulp Mill Road from the Nechako River to the south and Hoferkamp Road and the Fraser River to the north, and the Cameron Street Bridge to the west and the Fraser River to the east; River Road from the Nechako River to the north and 3^rd Avenue and Patricia Boulevard to the south, and Cameron Street-Carney Street to the west to the Fraser River to the east; North Nechako Road from the Cameron Street Bridge to the east to City Limits to the west; and Ospika Boulevard from the east boundary of Wilson Park to Foothills Boulevard to the east.

A declaration of a state of local emergency gives municipalities a number of powers it would not normally have, including the authority to issue evacuation alerts and orders. So far, the city has issued about 60 evacuation orders to residences and businesses.

Saturday morning, the City issued evacuation orders to 35 residences in the Delhaven – Pozer Road – Preston Road area after rising water in the Nechako was deemed to be a threat to the safety of the residents. Evacuation alerts – documents putting residents on notice that an order might be forthcoming – were issued to a number of businesses along First Avenue, and to businesses and residences on Second and Third avenues east of Queensway.

The most recent evacuation alerts were issued due to percolation of water up through the soil.

The City continues its efforts to reduce the damage caused by the flood waters. Sandbags were being delivered and placed in the Delhaven area, while the McAloney Road light industrial area was being bermed in order to allow crews to pump the water out of that area. Gabion dikes were installed along about 900 metres of Pulp Mill Road to protect that roadway, and are being installed along River Road.