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After water levels rose to historic levels on the North Saskatchewan River, the City of North Battleford has reopened the Boat Launch following improved safety conditions. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW Staff)
Boating back

Boat launch open again in North Battleford

Jul 16, 2020 | 6:00 PM

Boating enthusiasts in the Battlefords will have the opportunity to get back out on the water.

The City of North Battleford announced Thursday that the boat launch for the North Saskatchewan River is reopened to the public, after conditions were deemed safe by Fire Chief and Director of Protective Services Lindsay Holm. Hazards, such as debris and speedy water flow, have decreased.

“The levels look really good, there’s not much for debris floating in the water and it looks like some of the areas that had flooded over in the last week or two have receded,” Holm said.

The initial closure was due to the high water levels, additional debris in the river and rapid currents, occurring the same week that North Battleford had record rainfall.

Anyone planning to get out on the water is still advised to use caution. Holm said boaters may still come across debris left over from the higher waters last week.

“There’s a few eddy’s still developing, where we get water swirling where it’s coming around a point,” he said.

And while there is some rain forecast this weekend, Hold said it isn’t enough to cancel the drop in water levels.

“I don’t see any additional rain that would cause any issues with respect to flow in the river at this time,” he said.

The city will clear out any remaining debris on Monday, July 20.

josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports

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