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Several attractions and facilities in the Edmonton region have been temporarily closed after a series of severe rainstorms.
The City of Edmonton says crews are working to clean up debris and clear water after the city was hit with more than a year’s worth of rain in two months. In the meantime, several recreation facilities, parks and pools are out of commission.
Flooding and hazardous trees have pushed Parks Canada to temporarily close Elk Island National Park, 35 kilometres east of Edmonton. In a Facebook post, Parks Canada says it’s working to reopen the park as soon as possible.
“Parks Canada continues to clear downed trees, fix damaged fencing, clean up debris throughout the park, and assess a damaged culvert on the parkway,” a spokesperson for the park wrote in an email.
Campers found downed trees on top of tents, washrooms and vehicles Sunday morning. The park opted to close its gates to the public on Monday. (Submitted by Mitchell McEachern)
Edmonton’s Muttart Conservatory is also closed until further notice due to flooded roadways around the facility and access issues.
The nearby Connors Road has been closed and reopened twice over the last few days due to flooding. The southbound part of road under the overpass remains closed.
Another closure due to flooding is the Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park. A spokesperson for the park said they are hoping to reopen in the next few days. The rest of the park remains open.
The Reuse Centre at 83rd Street and Argyll Road is closed, though the city said it’s expected to reopen on Thursday.
The string of closures comes after an earlier storm pushed water up through the floor at the Telus World of Science, flooding most of the main floor. The facility is planning to remain closed until November.
The Peter Hemingway Aquatic Centre at Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre was also hit with flooding and a loss of power this summer. The city says it will be closed until September.
The Grand Trunk Fitness and Leisure Centre pool, hot tub and steam room are also closed until further notice due to flooding.
In a statement Tuesday afternoon, the city said all city sports fields are closed because of pooling water and wet conditions and asks Edmontonians stay off playing surfaces to prevent further damage.