Darlings Island residents seek permanent fix to flood concerns

People on Darlings Island are keeping a close eye on the Kennebecasis River levels with today's rain expected to push some areas in southern New Brunswick into the flood stage.

The St. John River reached flood stage in Fredericton overnight Wednesday and in Jemseg by late Thursday morning.

Maugerville and Sheffield-Lakeville Corner are expected to soon follow, with Emergency Measures Organization officials advising water levels are forecast to keep rising over the next 48 hours.

The Kennebecasis River is currently forecast to remain in the advisory stage.

But on Darlings Island, road closure signs are standing by on the only road in and out of the area. If it floods, residents have to arrange their own way off the island, at their own cost.

The provincial government announced in March it would no longer provide shuttle services if the road floods.

I just think with the government knowing that this happens that there would be a little bit better planning to take care of the people living on the island.- Wayne Mckellar, resident

"I just think with the government knowing that this happens that there would be a little bit better planning to take care of the people living on the island," said resident Wayne Mckellar.

​"You know, instead of leaving it up to them to get on or off the island."

Fellow resident Gerald Beaman agrees.

"To be honest, I think the province should fix the road so we don't have the flooding, is what the real solution is. Not to Band-Aid it every time there's water level problems."

But any kind of long-term solution won't be in place this spring.

Meanwhile, Zelda McKenzie, who owns Zelda's River Adventures, providing boat tours out of Hampton, has been in talks with islanders to be their link, if necessary.

Now, it's a race to get her pontoon boat prepared, said McKenzie.

"There's always spring maintenance with the boat and we needed to do a little bit on the motor, so those bits are in getting looked after now," she said.

"And my husband being the maintenance guy will ensure that I'm ready to rock and roll when need be."