Sask-wide emergency alert was 'unintentional,' town says
An emergency alert concerning drinking water in Maple Creek sent to phones across Saskatchewan Tuesday afternoon was unintentional.
According to Maple Creek’s Economic Development Officer, Gillian LaBoucane, town officials intended for the alert – related to a broken water main – only for people in and around Maple Creek.
The selection of a certain option on the Sask. Alert software led to the advisory having a much wider reach than anyone expected.
“As soon as you select drinking water, it puts it as a broadcast alert. We decided to do a wireless broadcast alert because then anybody with a cellphone will get it,” she explained.
“We didn’t actually realize it would go to the entire province.”
As for the town’s water supply – the main break led to the depressurization of the town’s water system.
The break has been repaired and water service is back up and running for the majority of residents – with the exception of the block where the break occurred.
LaBoucane explained that the water advisory will stay in place until sampling comes back clear.
“So it’ll be at least 24 hours to 36 hours before there's even a chance for it to be lifted.”
As for the fact that Saskatchewan as a whole was notified of Maple Creek’s water issues – LaBoucane found some humour in the situation.
“Well it's one way to put us on the map,” she laughed.
The town has since released a revised alert, only notifying local residents of the water advisory.
In a statement to CTV News, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) explained that local jurisdictions that participate in SaskAlert “have the authority to issue alerts that can be broadcast intrusive and non-broadcast intrusive.”
SaskAlerts can be issued by Environment Canada, Saskatchewan ministries, crowns, agencies, the RCMP and local government jurisdictions – which include municipalities and First Nations.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Who should lead the Liberals? 'None of the above,' poll finds
As questions loom over Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s leadership, a new Nanos Research poll commissioned for CTV News says a quarter of Canadians say none of the potential candidates appeal to them.
U.S. Justice Department brings criminal charges in Iranian murder-for-hire plan targeting Donald Trump
The U.S. Justice Department on Friday disclosed an Iranian murder-for-hire plot to kill Donald Trump, charging a man who said he had been tasked by a government official before this week's election with planning the assassination of the Republican president-elect.
Canada rent report: What landlords are asking tenants to pay
Average asking rents declined nationally on a year-over-year basis for the first time in more than three years in October, said a report out Thursday.
N.S. school 'deeply sorry' for asking service members not to wear uniforms at Remembrance Day ceremony
An elementary school in the Halifax area has backed away from a request that service members not wear uniforms to the school's Remembrance Day ceremony.
48,584 space heaters recalled in Canada after burn injury in U.S.
Health Canada has announced a recall for electric space heaters over potential fire and burn risks, a notice published Thursday reads.
Israeli soccer fans were attacked in Amsterdam. The violence was condemned as antisemitic
Israeli fans were assaulted after a soccer game in Amsterdam by hordes of young people apparently riled up by calls on social media to target Jewish people, Dutch authorities said Friday. Five people were treated at hospitals and dozens were arrested after the attacks, which were condemned as antisemitic by authorities in Amsterdam, Israel and across Europe.
'Big frustration': How a limited MAID window affects Alzheimer's patients
A move by Quebec to allow a person with a serious and incurable illness like Alzheimer's to request MAID months or years before their condition leaves them unable to consent has been met with praise, confusion and criticism.
Winnipeg teacher who faces voyeurism charge now accused of sexually assaulting former student
A Winnipeg teacher previously charged with voyeurism and a number of other offences has been charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a former student.
Beyonce leads the 2025 Grammy noms, becoming the most nominated artist in the show's history
Welcome to Beyonce country. When it comes to the 2025 Grammy Award nominations, 'Cowboy Carter' rules the nation.