Seasonal Flooding

Important Life Safety Notices:
Use Caution - Sturgeon River water levels have begun receding and flow rates are starting to return to normal. Use caution when around, or on, the river as water levels can fluctuate.
Stay Alert – Debris, such as tree limbs, may not be visible and can present a hazard if travelling in a watercraft on the river.
Watch Your Step - The riverbanks and trail systems may be unstable in areas that have been submerged. Watch your step in areas that were previously underwater as there is a greater risk of erosion with little to no notice.

Updated as of July 17 @ 2:00 p.m.

Flood Mitigation Measures Removed

As water levels continue to recede, all flood mitigation measures installed along the north bank of the Sturgeon River are being removed.

The City is also removing barriers along previously submerged trails and the Kingswood Boat Dock is now open.

Recovery and Remediation Efforts

We will continue monitoring the river and the areas that were submerged in the coming days. Our efforts will now transition from flood mitigation to recovery and remediation, where needed.

It will take time to evaluate the full extent of damage the recent flooding has caused, but our crews are already out in the community evaluating what repairs are needed.

Hazard Assistance and Resilience Program

Due to the unprecedented amount of rainfall and the flooding of the Sturgeon River, the City is evaluating whether we meet the threshold to apply for the Government of Alberta’s Hazard Assistance and Resilience Program (HARP).

To apply for the program, the City will have to incur at least $255,250 in costs through our response, recovery and remediation efforts of the Sturgeon River flood. We will have a better understanding of whether we will meet the threshold for the HARP program in the coming weeks. Once the water recedes, we will need to calculate costs and investigate if any infrastructure has been damaged by the flood.

We encourage residents and businesses to take pictures and closely track costs associated with any flood damage they incurred in case a HARP is approved. Residents and businesses can only apply for HARP assistance if the City has applied for and receives HARP approval. HARP approval is determined through the Government of Alberta.

If the City is approved for HARP assistance, we will communicate this information throughout our City channels.

For more information on HARP, visit the Government of Alberta's Hazard Assistance and Resilience Program

River Smell

Due to flooding, vegetation that isn’t normally underwater is now covered by the Sturgeon River. This plant matter is decaying and using up oxygen in the water resulting in a sulphur like smell. This odour will continue until the water recedes and the areas begin to dry out.

Depending on wind direction, air temperature and recent rainfall, the smell may seem stronger or weaker.

Trail/Park Closures

The following areas will be reopening as the water levels recede. Follow on-site signage and avoid any closed trails or parks.

Red Willow Park at 13 Berrymore Drive
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
Southern portion of the trail in Grey Nuns White Spruce Park
Trail behind Otter Crescent
Watch for water down Erin Ridge Ravine Trail, as the stormwater management facility behind Eastgate Way drains towards the river.

Note: Stormwater Management Facilities are not meant for any recreational activities like swimming, boating or fishing. Water currents and changing water levels are unpredictable.

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.
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.

Additional Resources

Check out the following provincial resources on the Sturgeon River:

St. Albert Flood Map

The Government of Alberta has done a lot of work to prepare flood mapping for the province, which includes St. Albert. To see the flood map for St. Albert and the Sturgeon River:

Go to the provincial website
Scroll down the list to find the St. Albert Flood Study
Click the first link to see the final flood map
Click the second link to see the final study report

Current Height of the Sturgeon River

Alberta Rivers monitors the height of rivers across the province. To see the current height of the Sturgeon River in St. Albert:

Go to the provincial website
You will see a map of Alberta
Zoom in until you see the icon for the Sturgeon River
Click on the icon to see the current height of the river, how fast it is flowing, and the time stamp for the measurements

Last edited: July 17, 2026

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