Floodwaters from the Carrot River have overflowed, submerging a significant portion of the scenic Pasquia Golf Course and causing an estimated $2.5 million in damage. According to Carrot River Mayor Carrie Neigel, the back nine holes of the golf course are currently underwater due to the ongoing spring flooding affecting central and northern Saskatchewan.
The flooding has disrupted daily life in the region, damaging roads, leaving homeowners stranded, and flooding basements. Farmers, already grappling with high fuel and fertilizer prices, are facing delays in spring seeding as a result of the inundation.
The situation in Carrot River, situated 241 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon, escalated when the river breached its banks on May 1. By the weekend, the Pasquia Golf Course was partially submerged, with water even reaching the roof of a gazebo in the campground.
Susan Schroepfer, a board member of Pasquia Regional Park, described the extent of the damage as significant, emphasizing the challenges ahead in cleaning up the debris and silt left behind by the floodwaters. The fourth hole of the golf course is particularly affected and repairing it, along with fortifying the breached river embankment, is estimated to cost $2.5 million.
The Water Security Agency (WSA) has issued an extreme high flow advisory for the Carrot River, with water levels nearly three meters higher than previous measurements and expected to peak over the weekend. Record water flows of 1,000 cubic meters per second have been reported, far exceeding the usual rate of 200 cubic meters per second.
Mayor Neigel highlighted the financial impact of the flood on the community, noting the loss of tourism revenue due to the closure of the golf course and regional park. The expenses for repairing damaged infrastructure, including new bathrooms, the gazebo, and golf greens, are expected to be substantial.
Despite the challenges, efforts are being made to partially reopen the golf course to accommodate eager golfers. However, the community remains concerned about the long-term repercussions of the flooding and the need for better infrastructure planning to mitigate future risks.
In a recent statement, Neigel criticized government cuts to highway and infrastructure funding, suggesting that these decisions have exacerbated the flooding situation. She emphasized the importance of proper water management to ensure the safety of residents and the preservation of local amenities.