BUDGET: Zimmer and Cullen offer comments A4 Wednesday, June 20, 2012 Show and Shine wows all spectators on Father’s Day A17
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Rockin in the P.G. eh? Teresa MA LLA M/Free Press
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member John Mellencamp brought the goods to more than 5,100 fans at CN Centre Sunday night. See Page A20 for a review of the show.
State of emergency declared ■ Flood Watch
Fraser River was expected to peak yesterday at levels not seen in 40 years DeLynda Pilon newsroom@pgfreepress.com
If Johnny Cash asked Prince George resident’s how high’s the water, he’d be told it’s predicted to be higher than it has been in 40 years, estimated to peak Tuesday at 10.8 meters. The regional district has issued evacuation orders to 22 homes in the Foreman Flats, 10 in Shelly and one on Leona Creek near Tete Jaune. In the city, 17 residences on Farrell St. and one on Regent have evacuation orders. Paddlewheel Park is closed and evacuation alert notices have been distributed to residence on the north side of PG Pulp Mill Rd. as well as some properties on Weins Rd. and Hazelton St. Businesses in the River Rd. area may also be affected.
“We’ve issued evacuation alerts in the River Rd. industrial area,” Chris Bone, communications manager for the city said. “I expect they’re not new to flood mitgation efforts. The responsibility is on their shoulders to manage it.” In spite of heavy hotel bookings due to a conference in the city, Bone said the evacuation went smoothly. “Th evacuation went smoothly, and the evacuation support program was able to access rooms for everyone,” she said. “We will be looking at more plans if more people need to be evacuated from their homes. With the expectation the river would peak Tuesday morning at 10.8 meters before it slowly recedes, the emergency operations centre began augmenting the Farrell St. area with temporary diking
known as gabion baskets. “It is a more efficient program than sandbags,” Bone said. Following the peak, the river is expected to remain above flood level for several days. Bone added the emergency alert will remain activated and levels will be monitored because of all the variables this year. Additional rainfall, expected De Ly nd a PILON/ Fre e Pre s s through the weak, will likely add to the problem. Plus, there is still Crews work on gabion dikes near Paddlewheel snow pack to melt. Crews, she Park. said, are monitoring the level of required, residents are eligible for short water in several areas of the city. term emergency assistance of food and City Hall has been designated as the shelter. These services are coordinated reception centre for evacuees. All resi- through the Evacuation Support Program dents in the affected flood areas are asked and require in-person registration at the to register by calling 250-561-7600. If City Hall Annex.