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Port Coquitlam prepares for high water this weekend

Water isn't expected to crest the dike but city workers will be doing regular checks
Cyclist
A cyclist looks out over the Pitt River, which is higher than usual because of the spring freshet.

Port Coquitlam works crews will be keeping an eye on the Fraser River as water levels rise over the weekend but as yet there is no concern about flooding.

“There hasn’t been a drastic change in predictions and we’re still well below dike crest elevations,” said Ross Maki, the city's section manager of streets.

The dikes are 5.5 metres high and water levels are expected to be 2.9 m at the high point, said Maki.

But even if there is no flooding, people should still be cautious while walking the dikes located along the Fraser River.

“Everything from Pitt River Road south, people need to take precautions,” Maki told the Tri-City News. “The water is higher and faster-moving than typical for this time of year.”

Over the weekend, city works crews will be doing daily dike inspections and handing out notices to people along the diking systems next to the river, which is rising because of snow melt.
The Gillnetter Pub and other businesses in the area will be among those contacted, Maki said.

Other work is being done as well, including raising of the freshet gates on the pump stations, servicing of  the pump stations, sand bag preparations and a review of the flood management plan.

“We’ve got very good infrastructure in PoCo,” Maki said.