The MD of Bonnyville is applying to the Alberta Disaster Assistance program for relief as high lake levels continues to give nearby residents headaches.
High rainfall in the area has soaked up the ground, increasing water run-off. This has caused overland flooding, road washouts, bridge damage, as well as high water levels and shoreline erosion on several water bodies within the district. Moose, Crane, Marie, Charlotte, Barreyre and Pinsky Lakes are currently impacted.
Wave action on the lakes is eroding properties, impacting foundations and septic tank and field systems. Water flooding into crawlspaces and basements is widespread.
Even more alarming is the damage to local agriculture. Farmers have lost large swaths of crops from flooded fields. Early estimate suggest farmers are facing 5.6 million dollars in losses.