Saskatoon closes river access points as South Saskatchewan flows increase

(Hallee Mandryk/CTV News)

The City of Saskatoon says the public boat launch beneath the Broadway Bridge and river access points in the Meewasin Valley will be closed as water flows are expected to increase at the South Saskatchewan River.

In a news release sent Thursday afternoon, the city urged residents to stay away from the river. It warned against all recreational activities on the river, including boating, paddling, swimming, floating and shoreline fishing.

“The public is also advised to avoid approaching the river’s edge, as fast-moving water, unstable banks and submerged hazards can create dangerous situations. Pets should also be kept at a safe distance from the river,” the city said.

The warning comes after significant rainfall in the headwaters of the South Saskatchewan River Basin over the past week.

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The city says the additional precipitation means more water is expected to flow into Lake Diefenbaker and downstream through Saskatoon.

According to the Water Security Agency, river flows are expected to increase from about 270 cubic metres per second to about 770 cubic metres per second by July 6.

The city says the expected flow rate is higher than what was experienced last month and is expected to continue well into next week.

“The South Saskatchewan River is very unpredictable. Aside from the changing, dangerously fast currents and unstable bottom, the river will have many additional hazards right now such as fallen branches, hidden material like broken concrete and floating debris that will pose a threat to anyone in or near the water,” the city said.

The city says residents who see someone in distress in the river should call 911 immediately, note the person’s location and provide details to emergency responders.