A sinkhole in northern Regina has deteriorated further due to high precipitation levels in Regina over the long weekend. The city said it’s known about the large sinkhole on Cunningham Drive near Rochdale Park since Aug. 19. Regina received around 95 millilitres of rain — just under 4 inches — on Sunday and Monday combined, according to the city. Carolyn Kalim, director of water, waste and environment, said the high level of rain caused localized flooding, including multiple underpasses, ring road restrictions, and even caused the city to send out notices to its residents asking to conserve water on Monday, in order to alleviate pressure on the stormwater system. Kalim went onto say that it was a one-in-50-year storm event in the northwest end of the city. The precipitation caused the Cunningham Drive sinkhole to further deteriorate to the point where the city is exploring multiple options to repair it, considering its fixture an emergent operation. However, Kalim says the city cannot provide a specific timeline as it is yet to understand what the repair will entail. “But it is a priority — as soon as we can get that drain down,” she added. “So, there’ll be a lot of work there that will be noticed as we drain that down [for] some inspections. And then there’ll be ongoing construction work to follow.” Kalim also said the cost of repairs has yet to be determined.
