CITY OF SWIFT CURRENT – As of 5 p.m. today, the City of Swift Current remains in the State of Emergency. The water levels for the Swift Current Creek will remain high, with fluctuations over the next 10 – 14 days as the Water Security Agency manages the continuous inflow of water into the Duncairn Dam, nearing its peak capacity.
“As stated previously, many factors contribute to the rise and fall of the creek waters,” stated Fire Chief Ryan Hunter, “and we still have a way to go before we are in the clear. However, the Water Security Agency helped the City of Swift Current for the last few days by holding back water release from the Dam as we took in a lot of water from other tributaries going into the Swift Current Creek. Now, they are in the position where they have to strategically release water throughout the next 10 to 14 days while navigating their inflow from the run-off coming from the Cypress Hills Region, along with anticipated precipitation.”
Chief Hunter is also sending out a plea to the residents of Swift Current to remain cautious around the creek, as the current flow has such a high velocity and frigid temperature that it poses grave danger if someone were to fall in. “We can’t emphasize this message enough as numerous children and adults have been seen playing and walking beyond the flood barriers, with some individuals right by the water’s edge. The entire creek bank is soft and potentially unstable, and always has the possibility of suddenly giving away. So please take extra caution and keep children and pets away from the Swift Current Creek, as it is highly unsafe.”
All low-lying homes around the Swift Current Creek should be proactive in ensuring they have a 72-Hour Emergency Kit or a to-go bag ready in the scenario where they may be asked to evacuate on short notice. Sandbags, sand, and the tools used to fill sandbags are available at the City Service Centre at 2074 South Service Road West and the Lt. Colonel Clifton Centre at 350 6th Avenue Northeast. Each resident should take the necessary steps to protect their home and property.
Please watch for the next press release scheduled to keep the public informed at 4 p.m., April 14, 2023.
