The recent storms that hit the City of Regina have caused a sinkhole to develop in a residential backyard, and now the City is undergoing an emergency operation.

The sinkhole, located by the Albert Street Memorial Bridge, was caused by the collapse stormwater pipe in early June.

Kurtis Doney, the acting director of citizen services with the City of Regina, said they had secured the sinkhole site but now must create a temporary bypass for stormwater.

“The temporary site will pump the stormwater from the underground pipe into Wascana Lake,” he said. “This bypass will be significant. It will include nine large pumps that will be activated during rainstorm events and ensure that rainwater gets to Wascana Creek.”

Construction on the site is set to begin this week near the Speaker’s Corner in Wascana Park, with the ground set to be turned into a very large trench where the bypass system will be put in place.

The temporary pump will run until the end of the year, with the City beginning work on a permanent solution once construction is complete at the temporary site.

Doney added that the area would be fenced for the safety of residents and noted that while crews are getting equipment and materials ready, residents should expect some delays in the area.