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
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.