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.”

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