New Westminster closing boardwalk as Fraser River rises
The City of New Westminster is closing the wooden portion of its Quayside boardwalk due to rising water levels in the Fraser River.
A statement on the city's website Friday indicates that the boardwalk will be closed for public use from the Westminster Savings Building at Tenth Street westward to the rail bridge beginning on Saturday.
"Please use the concrete pathway as an alternate route," the city's statement reads.
A high streamflow advisory has been in place for the lower Fraser River for several weeks, as a colder-than-average spring led to more snowpack and delayed melting in the mountains.
The B.C. River Forecast Centre issues high streamflow advisories when river levels are expected to rise rapidly, but no major flooding is expected.
"Given the elevated water levels, the City of New Westminster is urging residents to remain aware and use caution when around the Fraser River shoreline, in particular, Quayside, Port Royal, Braid Industrial Area, Sapperton Landing and other exposed and low-lying areas adjacent to the Fraser or Brunette rivers," the city said. "Please keep pets out of and away from fast-moving water."
New Westminster also warned residents and visitors that below-ground parking areas adjacent to the river "may experience minor flooding or seepage" while water levels are high.
"Residents and strata representatives are responsible for monitoring their parking areas, particularly those that contain electrical rooms, mechanical rooms, and equipment in case of flooding," the city said. "Affected residents may wish to consider alternate parking arrangements for vehicles during this period."
The city did not say when it expected the boardwalk to reopen, but promised to continue monitoring the situation and providing updates on its website and social media.
With river levels forecast to remain high for several more days, hundreds of properties in the Fraser Valley have been placed on evacuation alert, as has Barnston Island near Pitt Meadows.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.