City of Edmonton impacts due to additional heavy rains |
June 29, 2026
The City of Edmonton and EPCOR work together during periods of increased, sustained rainfall. Edmonton, like other surrounding communities, continues to experience a regional weather event that is putting pressure on stormwater systems, city infrastructure, and, at times, transportation access.
EPCOR is leading the response to the drainage system and has crews working around the clock to manage conditions and respond to resident concerns.
City crews are actively inspecting and assessing impacts to infrastructure from the inclement weather. The City is also working to minimize impacts to seasonal programs and services; however, some closures are in effect.
Emergency closure of 137 Avenue
137 Avenue, from Starling Drive to 200 metres west of Starling Drive, remains closed to manage active overland flooding in the area. Motorists should plan alternate routes, exercise caution and avoid driving through any flooded sections of the road.
Additional road closures may be in place. Residents are encouraged to check City social media and use the Traffic Disruptions Map when planning their routes this week.
River safety
Due to high river levels and fast flow rates, all boat launches along the North Saskatchewan River are closed. Residents are not permitted to watch Canada Day fireworks from the river or near riverbanks. Current conditions make it unsafe to operate any vessel on the water and swift-moving water and eroded riverbanks pose a significant risk for people, water vessels and pets. Residents are asked to maintain a safe distance from moving water and keep pets leashed near the North Saskatchewan River and stormwater ponds, as complex river rescue operations endanger the lives of dedicated first responders.
High Level Bridge sidewalk closure
The east sidewalk of High Level Bridge is closed until further notice due to slope instability near the southeast side of the Bridge. Recent heavy rainfall caused a section of the slope next to the wooden guardrail to erode, making the area unsafe to access. Pedestrians and active mode users can still cross the High Level Bridge via the west sidewalk.
As a precaution, a portion of the far-left turn lane remains closed on the 109 Street hill directly after the High Level Bridge. Left turns to Saskatchewan Drive and Walterdale Hill will be maintained. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead for potential delays.
The City will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Recreation facilities
All Recreation and Leisure Centres are open, including the Peter Hemingway Aquatic Centre at Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre, which reopened following last week’s temporary closure.
Sports fields
Over the weekend, City sports fields and ball diamonds were closed. Saturated fields must not be used after heavy rain, as damage may occur due to muddy conditions. As conditions improve and fields re-open, status changes will be posted on Facility Notifications by 2 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends and holidays.
Residents are encouraged to check Facility Notifications or their sport and recreation organization’s website for the latest updates.
Turf maintenance
The heavy rain has impacted scheduled turf maintenance, including mowing. In addition to service delays due to wet conditions, the rain will also lead to faster turf growth. Crews are being rescheduled to address unmowed turf as soon as possible. Visit the Mowing Map for the latest updates.
Golf courses
Victoria and Riverside golf courses are open for play, but power carts are unavailable. Rundle Golf Course is closed and expected to reopen July 1, weather permitting. Proshops and restaurants at all City courses remain open at this time.
River Valley and parks
The City has reopened some low-lying trails in the River Valley but continues to monitor trail conditions as water levels rise. Please obey on-site signage and check edmonton.ca/TrailCautions for updates. Should the river level continue to rise, the trails will be closed until safe to re-open. All trails are low-lying. If water levels reach 5.5 meters, all trails will be closed (according to Rivers.Alberta.ca).
The following trails are currently closed:
- Highlands - Dawson Trail
- Capilano - Gold Bar Trail
- Emily Murphy - Kinsmen Trail
Impacts on construction
Edmonton has a relatively short construction season, and weather conditions such as prolonged rainfall can affect certain construction activities. Some work, including excavation, paving, concrete placement and earthworks, may be postponed until site conditions improve. However, crews are often able to continue with other activities that are less weather-dependent.
The City and its contractors regularly adjust work plans to account for changing weather conditions and to make the best use of available construction time. While June has brought significant rainfall, there are currently no significant project setbacks or weather-related financial impacts to date.
Some work sites have localized issues with standing water, which crews are managing with pumps. The City continues to monitor conditions and work with contractors to minimize disruptions and keep projects moving forward safely and efficiently.
Gravel roads
During extreme weather events, gravel roads can experience rapidly changing conditions when saturated, often developing soft sections. Conditions can improve just as quickly as roads dry. Travelling on saturated gravel roads with heavy equipment can cause additional damage, so City crews wait until the roads are sufficiently dry and firm before dispatching graders. This approach helps ensure a safe and sustainable grading process. Inspectors are proactively inspecting grading inventory to ensure the City has a plan in place during and after weather events.
Cemeteries
Some areas within City cemeteries are experiencing high water levels, but no sites are currently considered flooded. Staff are monitoring areas where burial ceremonies are scheduled to ensure the safety of families, visitors and staff, with minimal impact on services.
Mosquitos
Wet conditions create an ideal development habitat for mosquitoes and may result in higher mosquito populations than we've seen in recent years. With the rain now subsiding, the City will resume its mosquito control application program. Edmontonians are encouraged to check their properties for standing water and remove it as soon as possible to help reduce mosquito habitat and control populations. |
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