Flooded High River state of emergency to be lifted despite pushback: Redford

HIGH RIVER, Alta. – Alberta Premier Alison Redford says a local state of emergency in flood-stricken High River in southern Alberta is to be lifted as scheduled Friday.

The emergency declaration was made almost immediately when the town was swamped in a matter of hours three weeks ago.

Redford also says the province is handing control of the community, which had to be fully evacuated, back to High River council.

She says provincial support will remain.

Opposition Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith, who is from High River, had wanted the legislature reconvened to extend the state of emergency.

Redford said there’s no real need for that it as it wouldn’t serve to speed up recovery efforts.