Caution Required Due to Rising River

The City of St. Albert is advising residents and visitors that the Sturgeon River is much higher than usual and continues to rise. Low-lying portions of the trail are flooded and closed, and the riverbank is saturated and unstable. Everyone is encouraged to stay away from the river and asked not to cross barricades marking closed portions of the trail system. 

UPDATE: June 30, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.

Important Life Safety Notice:

Please note that some light standards, which are still energized, are underwater, and pose an electrocution hazard. Please do NOT enter the water. Even when on the ground beside the river, please stay at least 10 meters (about 33.3 feet) away from any light standard. 

UPDATE: June 30 at 12:30 p.m.

Important Life Safety Notice:

Due to the unpredictable currents and fast flow rates, please be advised that St. Albert Fire Services (SAFS) may not be able to undertake rescue operations on the Sturgeon River. SAFS personnel are not swift water trained and are not permitted to conduct unsafe rescue operations on the river. Although the City does not have the authority to ban people from using the river for recreation, we are advising in the strongest possible terms that everyone stay off the river and away from the riverbanks.

River Danger 

If you do decide to go on the river, for boating or other activity, please exercise extreme caution and keep the following in mind:   

• Stay away from the banks of the river 
• Stay away from objects in the river that may be unstable 
• Stay away from City crews operating near the river - please give them space to do their work safely 

Trail Closures 

Follow on-site signage and avoid these areas: 

• Ray Gibbon Drive underpass  
• From the Celebration Garden to the Children's Bridge - this includes the St. Albert Boat Launch and the Healing Garden 
• From the Perron Street bridge to the St. Albert Trail underpass. This includes both underpasses. Please do not go onto private property to get around. If you encounter a trail closure, turn around.   
• Boudreau Road underpass 

Storm Water Management Facilities 

These dry stormwater management facilities are designed to remain empty under normal conditions and fill temporarily during significant rainfall events. They are operating as intended.   

• Dodger Dog Park is saturated and may fill during heavy rainfall. When this occurs, use Lacombe Lake Dog Park or local dog off leash areas and outdoor rinks until the water recedes.   
• Watch for water down Erin Ridge Ravine Trail, as the stormwater management facility behind Eastgate Way drains towards the river. 
• Stormwater Management Facilities are not meant for any recreational activities like swimming, boating or fishing. Water currents and changing water levels are unpredictable.  
• These facilities are at capacity with water levels being very high. Avoid the surrounding areas as they are muddy and slippery.   
• Dogs should be kept on-leash.  

Flood Mitigation  

Due to the rising Sturgeon River, City Crews are implementing flood mitigation measures for low-lying areas:   

• Installing barriers along the north bank of the river, between the Perron Street Bridge and the St. Albert Trail Bridge 
• Arranging for additional mitigation measures, should they become necessary 

Please monitor the City’s website and social media channels for updates. 

More info: https://stalbert.ca/supports/flooding/                   

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