City of Brandon Readying For Flooding along Assiniboine River; Evacuation Preparation Notices Issued in Low-Lying Residential Areas

Brandon, MB – The City of Brandon’s Emergency Response Control Group is implementing a number of proactive measures in advance of rising levels on the Assiniboine River that could cause flooding in low-lying areas.

As of 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1st, the Assiniboine River in Brandon was measured at 1,173 feet above sea level, measured at First Street. Provincial projections have placed the Assiniboine River’s peak at between 1,174 feet to 1,177 feet above sea level, measured at First Street, and is anticipated to arrive anywhere between July 5th and July 8th.

However, due to the recent heavy rains in the Westman area, there is concern about flash flooding in the Assiniboine River Valley, especially related to the Little Saskatchewan River.

As a proactive measure, crews are moving to close the hole in the City of Brandon’s dike system at the intersection of 18^th Street North and Grand Valley Road (Provincial Road #459). An important reminder to the public that the City of Brandon’s earthen dike system has an elevation of 1,184 feet above sea level, measured at First Street.

Out of an abundance of caution, the City of Brandon is taking necessary measures to protect the city and its residents, and has issued evacuation preparation notices to several hundred homes in the area between 1^st Street North and 26^th Street North, from Stickney Avenue north to Galbraith Crescent in the event that significant water comes Brandon’s way. The notices are being delivered door-to-door to impacted residences tonight.

All residences receiving this notice should be prepared to evacuate on short notice. Impacted residents are asked to plan to stay with a friend or relative if at all possible.  If staying with friends or relatives is not an option, more information can be obtained by calling the City of Brandon Enquiry Centre at 204-729-2186.

In the event of an evacuation order, residents will be notified as follows:

–             The City of Brandon’s emergency alerting siren

–             Local radio stations

–             The City of Brandon website (www.brandon.ca)

–             City of Brandon Facebook and Twitter

–             In-person door-to-door visitations

Should residents have any inquiries about this process or about the flood situation in Brandon, they are encouraged to call the Enquiry Centre at 204-729-2186. All impacted residents have been issued a list of preparation steps should evacuating their property be necessary.

Additional information will be made available at www.brandon.ca tomorrow.

(City of Brandon Media Release)