UPDATE 11:37 am
Water main break on Southridge Avenue
A water main break occurred yesterday morning just before noon in College Heights on Southridge Avenue between St. Anne and St. Lawrence. This break has resulted in the loss of water service for several dozen residences in the area. The break occurred on water main installed in 1992.
At this time, the City does not believe that the cold weather was the cause of the break as the main is located well below the frost line underground.
However, the extreme cold is negatively affecting the City’s ability to conduct operations to fix the main, restore service, and meet timelines.
The operation will be undertaken as soon as possible but could be completed as late as the end of the day on Thursday when the temperature is forecasted to rise.
Water main break at 6th Avenue and Vancouver Street
Earlier this morning, a 15cm water main burst downtown on 6th Avenue between Winnipeg and Vancouver Streets.
The City believes that the cold did play a factor in the break, due to the old age of the utility, which was installed in 1956, and its relatively shallow depth.
City crews have reduced the water flowing in the main, which has resulted in a reduced, but not completely stopped water flow, to buildings in the area.
The City also anticipates that it will take extra time to repair the main and return water service to full capacity due to the extremely cold temperatures.
City temporarily halting snow and ice control operations
Due to the extreme cold, the City of Prince George has also suspended full snow and ice control operations for the next 24 hours to reduce the risk of extreme cold-weather damage to City fleet units and contractor equipment.
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Original Story 8:51 AM
The cold weather is wreaking havoc for city crews as they deal with a pair of water main breaks.
City Spokesperson, Mike Kellett spoke with MyPGNow.com.
“We had one break on Southridge in College Heights between St. Anne and St. Lawrence, we expect water to be restored to the residents in that area by 10 AM (today) and another one occurred very early this morning at 6th and Vancouver and crews are responding to it right now.”
He expects a more updated bulletin to be issued on the water main breaks later today (Wednesday).