The Mayor for Ritchot says water levels are dropping along the Red River in his municipality. And, though levels are nearly as high as they were in spring, Chris Ewen says there is nothing to be worried about.

"Contrary to what some people are hearing out there, yes, the waters are high, but they are not high enough to create any panic or concern," assures Ewen.

Last weekend, the Mayor, Chief Administrative Officer and Emergency Coordinator kept a close eye on water levels in the area. But, Ewen says by the end of the weekend they determined there was nothing to worry about and instead of daily reports to council, only weekly reports would be necessary.

Ewen says the water levels are dropping very slowly at this point. He notes that is great for some of the road closures in the area. At last check, the following closures were still in effect:

Crown Valley Road (from PR 200 to Levesque Rd)
Levesque Road (south of PR 305 to Loeppky Rd)
Alarie Road (from PR 200 to Crystal Springs Rd)
Prefontaine Road (east of PR 200 to Sood Rd)
Meyer's Road
Waverley Bridge on Waverley Road (near La Barriere Park)

According to the Mayor, closing roads in the municipality due to high water, usually happens at least once every year. But, Ewen says the one that stands out is Waverley Bridge near La Barriere Park. He notes that one is closed as a result of the gates being raised on the Red River Floodway.

"It's something that we have to deal with as residents in Ritchot almost every year, seeing some of these road closures because of the low lying ground we have," he says.

And while the road closures are certainly not convenient, Ewen says the municipality ensures that there are always two routes available for residents.

"It might take two minutes longer but at least they are taking the safe route in and out of their homes which is what we are concerned about," he says.

Meanwhile, the province has set up pumps on the north side of St. Adolphe to deal with flood waters inside the dike.