Fredericton (April 30, 2008) – The director of the City’s Emergency Operations Centre is urging residents stay out of the downtown core as flood waters rise today to 8.6 metres, very close to the level of 1973 flood, which was among the worst in the city’s history.

“We have closed 22 roads in the City already and it looks like another 20 will be affected,’ said Fire Chief Philip Toole. “It’s a major flood event as big as in 1973 or close to it.”

As of 6:00 p.m. today, all ramps on and off the Westmorland Street bridge are closed, Also, Union Street at the underpass (Station Street) now has water across the road. <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Lincoln Road below Dunns Crossing is expected to be closed later tonight, Riverside Drive at McMinniman Court is now covered with water.

Traffic coming off the Princess Margaret Bridge can still access the Marysville Bypass and will be monitored over the coming hours.

Roads that were closed in the City of Fredericton as of 4 p.m. Wednesday include: McMinniman Court, Jarvis Street and Hossack Court in Lower St Marys; Bourque Lane and McFadzen in the Lincoln area; Hazelwood at Riverside Drive; Ramey at Riverside Drive; Legere Street; Riverside Drive; Wallace Avenue at Main Street; Burpee Street.

The Department of Transportation has a list of the most up-to date road closures at http://www1.gnb.ca/cnb/transportation/flooding-e.asp

Route 105 from Jemseg all the way to Fredericton is now completely closed to all traffic.

Mayor Brad Woodside issued a call for any residents who live in flood prone areas to evacuate.
“It’s become a lot more intense today and it will be even more intense tomorrow,” said Woodside. “I urge anyone living in flood prone areas to get out now while you still can.”

Residents who need to evacuate should register with the Red Cross at 1-888-893-1300. The Red Cross are continuing to take registration information and provide support as needed. They will make preparations for additional facilities as required. By noon today more than 50 people had registered.

All city schools as well as Lincoln Elementary School in Oromocto will be closed on Thursday and Friday. Most businesses and offices in the downtown area will be closed until further notice. Other buildings closed until further notice include the Justice building, the College of Craft and Design, the York County Courthouse and Clark House (New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame). City Hall will also be closed Thursday and Friday. By mid-afternoon the Crown Plaza Hotel was closing and moving guests out.

There will be no bus service to Lower St. Mary’s until further notice. Barkers Point buses will be re-routed through Marysville. Fredericton Transit passengers should call 460-2200 after 6 a.m. Thursday for the latest information.

“The flood will impact some routes and timing,” said Transit Manager Sandy MacNeill. “We will do our best to provide normal service.”

The City Police and Fire Department have stationed boats on both sides of the river and have acquired additional four-wheel drive vehicles to provide support and security during the flood. Police and firemen visited 900 homes in low lying areas of the city in the past 24 hours and were going back to revisit some holdouts today to urge them to evacuate.

“We have the resources available and are prepared to deal with this exceptional event,” said Police Chief Barry MacKnight. “We will be increasing our patrols in evacuated and flood prone areas and our Neighbourhood Action Teams have been redeployed to specific flood related tasks as required.”

The City of Fredericton is offering free bags of sand to anyone who requests it. Anyone interested should call 460-2996 for instructions.

NB Power has a crew in Fredericton on both sides of the river, with extra crews on standby. They can disconnect power for people on short notice. If you need to disconnect your power call NB Power at 1-800-561-4034. Any home that has power disconnected due to the flood must have their home inspected by a licensed electrical inspector before the power is turned back as a safety precaution.

Flood forecasters at the Emergency Measures Organization are expecting the water to reach 8.6 meters both Thursday and Friday. More than 100 mm of rain fell in the northern reaches of the St. John River watershed in the last two days

The City of Fredericton Emergency Operations Centre continues to work on a 24/7 basis, and command posts have been set up on both sides of the river. For non-emergency flood information, city residents can call 460-2996.

MEDIA CONTACT: Robert Martin, Assistant Deputy Chief (Operations), Fredericton Fire Department, 506-460-2969.

NB 584

April 30, 2008

FREDERICTON (CNB) - The following is released by the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Safety's Emergency Measures Organization (NB-EMO) on Wednesday, April 30:

Water levels throughout the province are on the rise, and the Department of Transportation is supporting NB-EMO in its efforts to keep the public safe. The department is closing roads as the water rises, and providing any other support it can.

Several roads are now flooded throughout the province. The most up-to-date list can be found on the DOT website at: http://www1.gnb.ca/cnb/transportation/flooding-e.asp">http://www1.gnb.ca/cnb/transportation/flooding-e.asp

The department anticipates that there may be more closures throughout the day, and advises motorists to check this site regularly throughout the day.

Motorists wishing to report water over the road should call 1-800-561-4063.

Driver safety is the priority, and motorists are reminded that water levels can change very quickly. Motorists should use extreme caution whenever they encounter water on the road. They should also be on the lookout for wildlife being driven from low-lying areas due to the high water levels.

08/04/30

MEDIA CONTACT: NB-EMO, 506-453-2133.

08/04/30

The latest from the River Watch office: "In Fredericton, the water
level was 6.97 metres at 7 a.m., and will increase steadily to 7.4
metres on Wednesday and have a major increase on Thursday to 8.2 .
Flood stage is 6.5."

We've posted a copy of the City's flood map in The River photo album.
It's a fairly large PDF file (so be patient while it downloads) that
will let let you zoom in to see what portions of the city will be
underwater if the Saint John River exceeds the 8 meter mark which,
according to River Watch, is expected to happen in the next 24 hours.

You'll find the file here:

http://justfred.ca/cmine/albums/2008/april/apr%2030/flooding/flooding_8m.pdf

Elsewhere in the albums, a day @ The Park:

http://justfred.ca/cmine/displayimage.php?album=638&pid=50095&slideshow=3000

A secret mailbox hangout:

http://justfred.ca/cmine/displayimage.php?album=831&pid=50130&slideshow=3000

The latest photos from your new Northside Canadian Tire store under
construction:

http://justfred.ca/cmine/displayimage.php?album=657&pos=0

The critter of the day:

http://justfred.ca/cmine/displayimage.php?album=83&pid=50097&slideshow=3000

Melanie's visit to the Kimble Skateboard Park:

http://justfred.ca/cmine/displayimage.php?album=832&pid=50124&slideshow=3000

Snow + Dirt = Snirt. We found Mount Snirt for you:

http://justfred.ca/cmine/displayimage.php?album=745&pid=50135&slideshow=3000

In the Calendars today, Ballet Jorgen, Dub Antenna @ The Phoenix, and
more:

http://justfred.ca/justfred.forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&day=2008-4-30&c=1

As you know, we tend to avoid news but the river is such a big part
of life in the city, that it's impossible to ignore the fact that we
could be in for a serious spring flood. We'll be watching...and will
post any news releases about river conditions in our blogs.

Cheers,
George
justFRED.ca

Fredericton, NB – The St. John River in the Fredericton area will rise to 7.4 metres tomorrow and crest at 8.2 metres on Thursday, the highest level in a decade.

“We could be in for some real concern at 8.2 metres,” said Fire Chief Philip Toole, Chair of the City’s Emergency Measures Organization. “The last significant flood we had in the City was in 2005 when the level reached 7.83 metres. “With the heavy rain we will experience for the next few days we will exceed that.”

Flooding in Fredericton begins when the river hits 6.5 metres. The worst flood in recent years was in 1973 when the river crested at 8.61 metres.

Chief Toole said the City’s Emergency Measures Organization has been called into action and has activated its Emergency Operations Centre at the York Street Fire Station on a 24-hour basis. Representatives of Aliant, Enbridge Gas and NBPower met with the City team this afternoon to plan for any contingency.

Fredericton Fire Department and Fredericton Police Force personnel began going door-to-door in low-lying and flood-prone areas of the City this afternoon distributing an information brochure to residents. The Fire department has also set up a command post near the Fort Nashwaak Motel in Fredericton North to coordinate any necessary rescue efforts.

“We are making sure everyone in these areas are alert to the flood warning and providing them with valuable information to help them cope with any eventuality,” said Chief Toole.

The brochures contain important phone numbers and tips to ensure the safety of residents and their property. Residents who must evacuate are urged to register at McConnell Hall, 19 Bailey Drive on the University of New Brunswick Campus.

If you need assistance you can call the Red Cross at 1-888-893-1300. For non-emergency, flood-related information in the Fredericton area, residents can call the City at (506) 460-2996.  Please note this is a new number. Homeowners who need to disconnect their power should contact NB Power at 1-800-663-6272. For more flood information, telephone: 1-800-561-4034 or visit www.gnb.ca/RiverWatch.

Mayor Brad Woodside received a briefing on the situation this afternoon and was escorted on a tour of areas experiencing high water already by Chief Toole and Fredericton Police Chief Barry MacKnight..

“This could be a significant flooding event and the best way to handle it is to be prepared,” said Mayor Woodside. “We are doing everything we can to keep everyone safe.”

-30-

Media Contact: John White, Communications, City of Fredericton (506) 460-2227.

With the forecast calling for several days of rain, the likelihood of
the Saint John River spilling over its banks has increased.

The city has issued a media release warning of the increased danger:

http://justfred.ca/blogs/?p=14111

Meantime, in our albums today:

No surer sign of spring that the reappearance of bicycles all over
the city:

http://justfred.ca/cmine/displayimage.php?album=745&pid=50084&slideshow=3000

Weather fit for a duck:

http://justfred.ca/cmine/displayimage.php?album=638&pid=50053&slideshow=3000

Changes has a great new collection of wedding dresses for sale @
astonishingly low prices. But you'll need to call for an appointment
to try them on. Photos coming up:

http://justfred.ca/directory/business.php?id=599&category=45

The people we meet on our travels Around Town:

http://justfred.ca/cmine/displayimage.php?album=638&pos=0

Another 4-legged friend:

http://justfred.ca/cmine/displayimage.php?album=83&pid=50075&slideshow=3000

Keeping watch on the river:

http://justfred.ca/cmine/displayimage.php?album=665&pid=50089&slideshow=3000

Construction continues at Your New Northside Canadian Tire Store. The
move from Main Street is scheduled for June:

http://justfred.ca/cmine/displayimage.php?album=657&pid=50077&slideshow=3000

The Carleton FreePress, the new weekly newspaper in Woodstock,
launched their website on Monday. The site was designed and buitl by
the justFRED Team:

http://www.carletonfreepress.ca/index.php

In the calendars today, Cancer Bats & The Kinsmen center, Reel Babies
featuring Baby Mama, curling and bingo and more:

http://justfred.ca/justfred.forums/calendar.php

We'll keep an eye on the river - and flood warnings - and post
anything new to the news blog:

http://justfred.ca/blogs/?cat=3

Cheers,
George
justFRED.ca

http://justFRED.ca/cmine/albums/2008/april/apr%2026/vids/river_flood_02_2008.swf">http://justfred.ca/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/img_03641-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150">
The River - Click on Image to Play Video

Flood Levels Expected to Rise in Fredericton with Rain

Fredericton, NB - A forecast for rain on Tuesday
and Wednesday of this week is expected to raise
river levels in the Greater Fredericton area by 20-40 cm.

This increase will result in flooding conditions
comparable to 2005, when the river reached 7.8
metres. Flood stage in Fredericton occurs at 6.5
metres; the river is currently at 7.11 metres.

Residents in low lying areas in Fredericton are
asked to be aware of the expected rise in river
levels and to take precautions to reduce property
damage. Residents should also be prepared to evacuate if flooding occurs.

With the expected increase in water levels, and
in consultation with public safety officials, the
Canadian Red Cross has re-established its
Registration Centre at the University of New
Brunswick. The centre opened at 12 noon today at
UNB?s McConnell Hall, 19 Bailey Dr.,
Fredericton. Residents affected by flooding
needing alternate accommodation can also call the
Red Cross 458-8445, ext. 2266.

Residents are advised that 460-2996 is the City
of Fredericton?s new non-emergency, flood
information line. Residents will be able to
general information regarding flooding. River
Watch information has also been posted the City?s
website at www.fredericton.ca.

-30-

Media Contact: Robert (Bobbie) Martin, Assistant
Deputy Chief (Operations), Fredericton Fire Department, 506-460-2969.

After months of non-stop precipitation in the form of snow, we had a
mainly sunny April without the usual showers...and that means lots of
people outdoors shaking off the cabin fever that seemed to grip the
city for months.

We decided to try something a little different today. Instead of a
brief descrption of the latest photos and a link to the albums,
here's a more detailed list:

The Downtown Blues Band @ The Provincial Archives

http://justfred.ca/cmine/displayimage.php?album=829&pid=49972&slideshow=3000

The '60s party to Celebrate The Provincial Archives 40th Anniversary

http://justfred.ca/cmine/displayimage.php?album=830&pid=49908&slideshow=3000

The latest photo-progress report from your new Northside Canadian
Tire Store

http://justfred.ca/cmine/displayimage.php?album=657&pid=49924&slideshow=3000

Saturday @ The Market - a beautiful morning and big crowds

http://justfred.ca/cmine/displayimage.php?album=797&pid=50003&slideshow=3000

Yard Sale Season is Underway. Don't forget to add your yard sale to
our calendar

http://justfred.ca/cmine/displayimage.php?album=828&pid=50046&slideshow=3000

Around Town Through Mae's Eye

http://justfred.ca/cmine/displayimage.php?album=664&pid=50024&slideshow=3000

We keep a watch on the Saint John River

http://justfred.ca/cmine/displayimage.php?album=664&pid=50024&slideshow=3000

In the Calendar today, the Garth Brooks tribute concert @ the
Playhouse, the continuation of a photo exhibit, and the ready for
school program at the Fredericton Family Resource Center.

http://justFRED.ca/calendars.html

So enjoy the remainder of April and, if you see us out with our
cameras, don't forget to Say Cheese!

Cheers,
George
justFRED.ca

As you can see from today's home page - and the galleries - the focus
of just about everyone in Fredericton these days is the state of the
Saint John River. Goodbye Morel Park, walking trails, riverside
seating, hello indoor swimming pools...but you'll also find shots of
people making music, art, and other fun activities.

http://justFRED.ca/cmine/

Lots to do this weekend, from the fundraiser Hootenany to Hot Toddy's
CD launch, from the Bel Canyto Concert to the turkey supper at
Marysville United.

http://justFRED.ca/calendars.html/

So if you see us out and about during this last weekend in April -
somewhere near the river, no doubt - don't forget to Say Cheese!

Cheers,

George

justFRED.ca

Water levels continue to rise - covering the walking trail, parts of
local roads and highways - and members of one family in the Lincoln
area are reported to have voluntarily left their home to stay with
friends.

Photos of the encroaching - and fast moving - water in our galleries.

http://justFRED.ca/cmine/

Activities picking up today - humourist Greg Malone is in town today
for a 3-hour session on using humour to improve communication, the
Pixels to Print exhibit of news photos opens at the UNB Arts Centre -
and more.

http://justfred.ca/justfred.forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&day=2008-4-24&c=1

On the home front, we're still working on the new calendar (first we
covered all of the bases -now we have to make it easy to use). And we
just wrapped up a couple of major web development projects for clients
that have been keeping us busy.

Cheers,
George
justFRED.ca

Fredericton, NB – The City of Fredericton has set up an information help line where flood evacuees can call for information about how to access emergency services.

The Help Line, (506) 460-2096, will be initially staffed from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. If conditions warrant it will be staffed around the clock

“If we get to a point where evacuations are necessary, the phone line will provide valuable information,” said Fire Chief Philip Toole, Director of the City’s Emergency Measures Organization. “If assistance from family or friends is not available, residents will be assessed and directed to a shelter, set up by the Canadian Red Cross, where they can stay.”

Canadian Red Cross Registration Centres will be set up for anyone forced out of their homes. This allows family and friends to call a designated telephone number to determine where people have gone. It is recommended that all who leave their homes register. Shelter and registration centre locations will be announced, if they become necessary, said Chief Toole.

If the waters get to flood level, evacuees with pets should contact one of the following to make arrangements to board their pets:
Solid Gold Pet Training and Resort Ltd., 2288 Hanwell Road, 457-1530
Dutch Kennels, 1005 Rte. 10 Highway, 450-9442
Lincoln Pet Hotel, 2310 Lincoln Road, 458-9759

The City of Fredericton established a Disaster Registry last October to help rescue workers find elderly residents who need help the most during an emergency. Seniors who are medically frail or housebound, have a mobility, vision, or hearing impairment can register with the City to take advantage of this service, which is jointly managed by the City of Fredericton Emergency 911 Dispatch and the Barkers Point Lions Club. For information about the Disaster registry, call Sharon Everett of the Barkers Point Lions Club at 459-1465.

Valuable information about river levels will be broadcast on local radio stations, including Information Radio at 93.3 FM.   Valuable information about what to do before, during and after a flood is also available online at the New Brunswick EMO River Watch website at www.gnb.ca/riverwatch.

The federal government also has a website which provides valuable information on sustaining yourself in the event of an emergency for at least 72 hours before assistance may be available at http://www.getprepared.ca/

Links to these sites and other flood-related information are provided on the City of Fredericton website at www.fredericton.ca.

-30-

Media Contact:  Wayne Knorr, Communications, City of Fredericton, 506-460-2181