UPDATE: Power outages could take until Saturday to be restored

UPDATE – 8 a.m. Thursday, June 22

The City of Red Deer says 400 properties remain without power and a state of local emergency remains in effect.

Portions of Vanier Woods, Riverside Drive, Glendale, South Hill, Parkland School and some additional small pockets could be without power for another 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a power outage in an area other than Vanier Woods, you’re asked to call 403-342-8111.

“We have seen so many residents reaching out to help each other in tough situations, whether they are helping to clear debris or offering space in their fridge to keep groceries from spoiling,” said Craig Curtis, Emergency Operations Director, “We encourage everyone to continue helping neighbours, family and friends during this difficult time.” 

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City rec. facilities and library branches continue to offer support to residents by way of showers, WiFi and electrical outlets to charge your mobile devices.

Trails and parks within the Waskasoo Park System remain closed with the exception of River Bend Golf and Recreation Area, Discovery Canyon, Oxbows off-leash dog park and Great Chief Park. The River Bend pitch and putt area is closed.

For up to date information, residents can call 403-342-8111 or 211.

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UPDATE – 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 21

It could take up to 72 hours to restore power to Red Deerians left in the dark by Tuesday night’s windstorm, City of Red Deer officials say.

“If you are still without power, we unfortunately have a long road ahead of us,” Mayor Tara Veer said during an evening update from City Hall.

Veer took a moment to thank crews and community members for their work and patience and also thanked other levels of government and neighboring municipalities for offering their support.

“When those offers of support came in, we didn’t have a full assessment at that point in terms of how long the outages would be — now that we’ve moved from a shorter term plan to a longer term plan over a course of the 72 hours, the Emergency Operations Centre is aware of those offers of support and can certainly exercise that and draw on that support provincially or from the region,” Veer said.

Widespread power outages continue in Red Deer, affecting about 15 per cent of the city. The local state of emergency declared late Tuesday night remains in effect.

Areas of Red Deer still without power (as of 6 p.m. Wednesday) include the west half of Riverside Meadows, Village Mall and Highland Green, Grandview and Eastview, Vanier Woods, Riverside Drive area, including Lion’s Campground, Westlake, Fort Normandeau and some other small pockets.

The City says there may be intermittent power outages in other areas for short periods of time, under an hour. They ask that you report any outage that lasts longer than two hours by calling 403-342-8111.

“We ask residents to reach out to their neighbours who could be without power for the next 72 hours” said Paul Goranson, Emergency Manager Director / Operations Director. “This includes anything from helping cleaning up fallen debris, charging phones or offering space in your freezer.”

Residents who feel they can safely shelter-in-place are encouraged to do so. Otherwise, affected Red Deerians can

Residents without power are welcome to access the four City of Red Deer recreation facilities – Collicutt Centre, G.H. Dawe Community Centre, Recreation Centre and Michener Aquatic Centre – where they can access showers, WIFI and outlets to charge cell phones.

Drivers are reminded that some intersections are still without power or have flashing traffic lights, and are asked to approach all intersections with caution.

As some areas of Ross Street are closed, when entering the downtown westbound on Ross Street, detour at 40 Avenue north to 55 Street or south to 39 Street. For exiting the downtown core, choose routes other than Ross Street at this time. We expect Ross Street to open later tonight.

Trails and parks within the Waskasoo Park system are closed, with exception of River Bend Golf and Recreation Area (pitch and putt area is closed), Discovery Canyon, Oxbows Dog Off Leash Park, and Great Chief Park which all remain open.

City officials say there may be some scheduled events or activities that need to be cancelled over the coming days and that groups affected by cancellations will be notified.

If you require assistance is needed as a result of the power outage you can call 211 or 403-342-8111.