Little Red River Park Reopening Friday, May 22

The City of Prince Albert advises residents that Little Red River Park is scheduled to reopen on Friday, May 22, including services at the Cosmo Lodge/Knotty Pine Bistro.  While the park itself will reopen to the public, water levels on the Spruce River remain high and fast-flowing, creating potentially dangerous conditions throughout the area.

All park users are urged to exercise extreme caution around the river and shoreline areas as spring runoff continues to impact water flow and riverbank stability.

“While we recognize residents are eager to return to Little Red River Park, current river conditions remain hazardous,” said Fire Chief Kris Olsen. “We strongly encourage all visitors to stay well back from the river’s edge and avoid entering the water, noting that water levels and flow rates will remain high for some time.”

We continue to work with our partners at the Water Security Agency to provide reliable, up-to-date information on outflows from Anglin Lake and their potential impacts on Little Red, to help inform decisions on future park closures, should they be required.  

Current hazards include:

• Deceptive and Strong Currents: The force of moving water is extremely powerful and can quickly knock a person off their feet, pull them downstream, and make it difficult or impossible to return to shore.
• Foot and Limb Entrapment: Fast-moving water can force a person underwater if a foot or leg becomes trapped between submerged rocks, branches, or debris, making self-rescue extremely difficult.
• Hidden Hazards: High water can conceal submerged logs, sharp rocks, deep drop-offs, and floating debris.
• Cold Water Shock: Despite warmer air temperatures, river water remains extremely cold. Sudden immersion can cause involuntary gasping, hyperventilation, and rapid loss of motor control.
• Steep and Unstable Banks: Riverbanks may be slippery, eroded, or unstable. Standing too close to the edge may result in slips, falls, or bank collapse into fast-moving water.

Visitors are reminded to supervise children closely, keep pets under control near the river, remain on designated trails where possible, and avoid all unnecessary contact with the water.

Officials will continue monitoring river conditions and provide updates as needed.

The Highway 55 entrance will open Friday, May 22, with the West Park Gate (Pine Grove Entrance) remaining closed for the time being as officials continue to monitor conditions throughout the park.  

For current park information and safety updates, residents are encouraged to follow official communication channels.

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For more information, contact

Chief Kris Olsen
Fire Department
306 953-4200

Parks and Open Space Manager
Timothy Yeaman
Parks, Recreation & Culture Department
306-953-4802