By Leah Murray

Berm construction continues in Medicine Hat

Mar 29, 2017 | 5:51 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Warm temperatures over the last couple weeks are causing more runoff which has led to an increase in the water level in the South Saskatchewan River.

At this point, officials say there are no concerns being raised about a flood, but a change in weather and abundant precipitation could change that.

May and June tend to be the rainy season in southern Alberta where we’re most likely to see possible flooding.

The City of Medicine Hat said it is prepared if that happens.

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Between the newly constructed berms and temporary measures city officials say residents who live in areas prone to flooding should be protected.

Part of Parkview Drive in the Riverside area will be closed starting on April 4 for approximately two weeks so contractors can test a temporary flood barrier that goes across the road.

All the work on the Riverside Phase 1 project is expected to be completed by June.

There are also plans to start building the last part of the Lions Park berm. It will stretch back behind Medalta all the way to the bottom of Scholten hill.

The City of Medicine Hat has approved $33 million dollars for berm construction. So far, it’s spent around $27 million of that.

The province has reimbursed the city with $24 million from the Community Resiliency program.

The city applied for more grant money from the Province in September, but a funding announcement still hasn’t been made.

“We were told by the province between February and March,” said Mayor Ted Clugston. “Now we’re at the end of March, so now we’re hearing maybe [end of] March or April.”

Medicine Hat MLA Bob Wanner said he’s unsure of when the announcement is coming but added the city isn’t being forgotten.

“As outlined in the budget there’s a high priority to emergency related projects,” said Wanner. “I’m confident though that our community is getting more than its fair share.”

The city said it’s hoping it won’t have to put the berms to the test this year, but it it does flood, they’ll be prepared for the worst.