‘Extremely dangerous:’ Old Fort landslide continues to move

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) has reported its evacuation order and alert remain in effect as the Old Fort landslide continues to move.

According to a 2 p.m. update by the PRRD on April 23rd, the evacuation order issued on April 20th and an alert issued on April 23rd remain in effect for the Old Fort area.

“The Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MoTT) has identified, through current assessments, that the west side of the Evacuation Order is a risk area,” the PRRD stated.

“This area was also impacted by the 2018 landslide, and cannot be considered safe at this time.”

On April 22nd, the PRRD reported the “entire historical slide are” presented a “risk to life and property,” and that sections of the Old Fort Road had been displaced approximately 48 metres down slope.

In its April 23rd update, the PRRD explained the landslide remains active, with “ongoing ground movement posing a continued risk to safety.”

“According to the MoTT, the slide continues to move and sections of Old Fort Road have been destroyed or displaced,” the PRRD stated.

“MoTT has identified debris buildup, visible cracking, and water pooling within the slide area. These conditions may cause changes in movement, including speed and direction, and there is potential for the landslide to extend beyond the current area.”

According to the PRRD, there is no current timeline available for when access may be restored to the Old Fort area.

Residents who have evacuated can access Emergency Support Services (ESS) at the Pomeroy Sport Centre at 9324 96th Street in Fort St. John. ESS will be available until the evacuation order is lifted.

The PRRD stated technical experts with the MOTT will continue to monitor the situation, and more updates will be provided by the regional district “as more information becomes available.”

Emergency Support Services (ESS) renewals opened for evacuated residents on April 23rd.

To read the complete April 23rd update, see below.