UPDATE: 12:30 p.m. School District 51 is now advising the leak has been contained and schools have been given the go-ahead to return to their buildings.
A significant gas leak at the Canco gas station on Highway 3 in Grand Forks closed the highway and prompted the evacuations of two nearby schools on Wednesday afternoon.
On scene, there was a visible and audible gas leak. Members of Grand Forks Fire/Rescue, as well as RCMP, Fortis and City of Grand Forks personnel were all on scene.
The leak was first reported near 11 a.m., and Grand Forks Secondary School and Perley Elementary, both located within a block of the school, evacuated shortly after. Fire department and other first responders were on scene to contain the leak.
Traffic was being stopped and urged to take alternate routes along Highway 3 from several blocks in either direction
Power was also turned off to much of the neighbourhood, and nearby businesses closed while first responders worked.
The current status of the leak is unknown pending further information from first responders. This story will be updated as information becomes available.
More information to come.