City of Medicine Hat to phase the reopening of parks, trails, and recreation areas as the river recedes

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The river remains high and fast, and conditions are expected to improve through the week.

The City says a phased approach focuses on reopening locations with reduced risk earlier while keeping higher-risk areas closed until river levels and flow further decrease.

“We would like to thank the public for their cooperation throughout these closures. This is the highest and fastest river flow we have experienced since the berms were constructed following the 2013 flood,” Director of Emergency Management Merrick Brown said in a statement from the City.

“Given these conditions, the City took a precautionary approach while monitoring river conditions and evaluating the performance of the flood mitigation infrastructure.”

Police Point Park, with some restrictions, and the Parkview Close trail section are set to reopen on Tuesday at 7 a.m.

Echo Dale Regional Park Campground will resume normal operations on Friday.

Several areas will stay closed until conditions improve further. All boat launches remain closed, along with low-lying riverside trails in areas including Strathcona Island Park, Police Point Park, Harlow, Riverside and Echo Dale Regional Park. The Police Point Park North Day Use Area will also remain closed.

Residents are being reminded to stay off the river, avoid riverbanks and obey all closure signs while crews continue to assess conditions.

Visit rivers.alberta.ca for more information on river advisories, flow rates, and projections.

by Jesse Gill

City of Medicine Hat to phase the reopening of parks, trails, and recreation areas as the river recedes

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