Brandon preparing for potential flooding along Assiniboine

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This article was published 30/06/2020 (2160 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The City of Brandon is making preparations in case flooding occurs along the Assiniboine River in the next 24 hours.

In a release sent out this afternoon, the city said pumps are being placed in areas that may require drainage, and plans are being made in case the dike opening at the intersection of 18th Street North and Grand Valley Road (Provincial Road 459) needs to be closed.

The water level in the Assiniboine River going through Brandon rose two feet in 24 hours as a result of Sunday’s storms.

While the city has been urging locals to keep their vehicles off the dikes recently, staff are asking that everyone stay away from the river and off the dike infrastructure.

As of midday today, the city said the water level in the river is 1,170.35 feet above sea level. The earthen dike system along the Assiniboine River is at an elevation of 1,184 feet above sea level at First Street.

City operations staff are still working on clearing debris and standing water from Sunday’s storm. Calls for further service can be sent to public works or parks & recreation by calling 204-729-2285.

Damage to city-maintained trees should also be called into the number above. Residents are encouraged, if it is safe to do so, to clear tree debris off of streets and out of laneways to prevent traffic from being impeded until crews arrive.

Empty sandbags and sand are available for free on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Civic Services Complex at 900 Richmond Ave during regular business hours.

Residents who have had water enter their homes as a result of the storm can pick up cleanup kits provided free of charge by the Canadian Red Cross on a first-come, first serve basis from Brandon City Hall during regular business hours from the Louise Avenue entrance.

Note that both City Hall and the Civic Services Complex will be closed on Canada Day.

These kits contain an anti-mould cleaning product, a mop, rags, rubber gloves and a face shield.

» The Brandon Sun