The worst seems to be over in Red Deer, as the number of residents and businesses without power is now 50.

It’s expected that the remaining homes will be reconnected by sometime this afternoon, while park crews continue their clean-up of trees and debris on trails, park and roadways.

“Power is nearly restored across the city, but there is still work to do and a lot of clean-up that needs to happen. Many neighbourhoods and properties sustained significant damage, and in some cases this clean-up could take up to five weeks or more,” said Karen Mann, Emergency Operations Centre Director. “There may be downed trees that remain in our parks for quite some time, specifically those that are not a safety risk to people or property,”

About 1,500 properties were without power following the windstorm on Tuesday’s, a storm  which downed more than 15 power lines, 40 power poles and thousands of trees.

The neighbourhoods of Vanier Woods, Glendale and Normandeau were without power for more than 48 hours with crews restoring power to these neighbourhoods early Friday morning.

“While city crews make their way around the city to clean up parks, trails and roadways, we know citizens are also working hard to clean-up damage and debris in their own yards and on their property,” added Mann. “We have truly seen the community coming together, offering everything from beds, meals and power to neighbours or helping with fallen trees and damage in one another’s yards.”

With a focus for many residents now on clean-up efforts, The City reminds citizens of the following:

The snow storage site at Edgar Industrial will remain open to collect fallen branches and trees until July 3. Residents can also bring green branches to the City’s Waste Management Facility at no cost.

There are extended hours at the Waste Management Facility, which will be open this Sunday, June 25 and next Sunday, July 2 from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The waste unit limit will be lifted until June 30.

Residents are responsible for cleanup of trees on private property and are reminded to not dispose of them on City roads, back lanes or sidewalks.

If you are still without power, know of any blocked roadways, or have a vehicle that has a tree or significant debris on it, please call The City at 403-342-8111.

Our ground crews and Urban Forestry Technicians have been doing some amazing work and the following asphalt trails and parks are now inspected and re-opened:

Three Mile Bend Recreation area and trails connecting River Bend to the Civic Yards (River Bend Hill trails remain closed)

McKenzie Trails – Including lower forested trail loop and trail to Garden Heights

Waskasoo Park Southbank Trail (McKenzie Trails to and Including Riverlands)

The following asphalt trails remain closed:

Southbank Trail (Riverlands to Heritage Ranch and connecting to West Park)

Devonian Trail System including trail linkages within:

Galbraith Park, Stephenson Park, Barrett Park

Rotary Park to Kin Kanyon

Kin Kanyon to 19th Street

All other gravel, shale, equestrian and mountain bike trails remain closed at this time. Please exercise caution this weekend when using parks and trails. Even though trails are cleared, some hazards will exist along the trail system. Please do not disturb City staff while working to clean up debris. Crews need to be able to focus on their work in order to ensure safety for both themselves and residents.