Edmonton police are holding out hope that a 72-year-old woman missing for days is still alive, saying they haven't ruled out the possibility that she may not be in the region anymore.

On Monday, police and fire rescue crews searched along the North Saskatchewan River for signs of Wyona Hobart.

Wyona Hobart, 72, was last seen Friday at a doctor's appointment at the University of Alberta Hospital.
(Edmonton Police handout photo)

She was last seen Friday at 1 p.m. local time, when she was visiting her doctor at the University of Alberta Hospital. There have been no reported sightings of her since.

Det. Kelvin Mah told an Edmonton radio station that Hobart has relatives in Calgary and nearby Cochrane, and there is a slight chance Hobart may try to contact them.

Late Monday, police released new photographs of Hobart, along with pictures of dark brown winter boots she had recently purchased.

Family members say Hobart, who had been treated for depression, also has diabetes.

Police are also urging residents who live near the University of Alberta to check their property for signs of the missing woman.

With files from the Canadian Press