Edmonton Queen lays off half of seasonal staff

The Edmonton Queen has laid off halfits seasonal staff after low water levels forced the riverboat to end all sailings this season.

One of Edmonton's best-known attractions, the boat takes passengers on tours of the North Saskatchewan River.

Water levels in the river are the lowest in five years.

Earlier this week, the company announced the Queen would operate as a stationary outdoor restaurant for the rest of the season.

"I have been here fourteen years. I have never tied up the ship in August," general manager Lori Jarvis said. "The earliest I have ever tied it up is the end of September, so it's very unusual."

Jarvis said manyseasonal employees are students who rely on their earnings to pay for tuition.