By Roger White

Finlayson Island closed to vehicles: Mayor

Apr 27, 2018 | 10:00 AM

As the waters continue to rise along the North Saskatchewan River, officials with the Battlefords Fire Department and the RCMP deemed it necessary to close Finlayson Island to vehicle traffic as a precautionary measure for public safety.

Mayor Ames Leslie said the RCMP and Battleford Fire Chief felt it was prudent to block off the area last night after dozens of curious onlookers gathered to see the ice flows and rushing waters near the island.

“We did have one incident early last evening that required the help of the fire department and the RCMP,” Leslie said. “It was after that they felt it was in the best interest of public safety to put barricades and block off Finlayson Island.”

Leslie said the breaking ice drew a huge crowd almost immediately.

“I live down by the river and as soon it broke around 5:30 p.m. there was bumper-to-bumper cars coming from out of nowhere to see what was going on,” he said. “The water was really coming fast last night and we just don’t want anyone’s vehicle submerged near at Finlayson Island.”

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Leslie said both RCMP and fire officials will continue to monitor the situation and make decisions with public safety in mind.

roger.white@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW