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
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.