The RMWB is issuing a mandatory evacuation order for Draper, the Taiga Nova Eco-Industrial Park, and Longboat Landing in the Lower Townsite.

The ice on the Athabasca River broke Sunday morning and is causing major flooding, forcing the municipality to declare a state of local emergency.

A voluntary evacuation notice has also been issued for the Ptarmigan Trailer Park in Waterways.

Evacuees are being told to report to the Registration Centre at the Oil Sands Discovery Centre to check-in and get information on supports and accommodations available

Municipal buses are available to transport residents to the centre if needed.

Residents are being reminded to avoid walking through running water and to leave their vehicle if it stalls in rising water.

The municipality is also reminding evacuees to continue practising physical distancing and to follow all measures put in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

People living in the Lower Townsite and Waterways should have a 72-hour emergency kit prepared as it’s possible they could have to evacuate.

Meanwhile, Clearwater Drive is experiencing high volumes of flooding and should be avoided.

The municipality says the Athabasca Bridge and the Water Treatment Plant haven’t been impacted.

More information can be found on the RMWB’s website.