In Canmore, the recent heavy rainfall and resulting floods caused approximately $2.1 million in damages to municipal infrastructure. Fortunately, the Alberta government’s Hazard Assistance and Resilience Program is expected to cover up to $1.9 million of the costs, with the remaining balance covered by municipal reserves.
The extraordinary flood event, classified as a once-in-50-year occurrence, brought about 138 millimetres of rainfall within a 24-hour period on June 28 and 29. Responding to the crisis incurred expenses of around $232,000, as reported by municipal staff.
Mayor Sean Krausert expressed gratitude for the assistance program, acknowledging that it alleviates the burden on local taxpayers in such emergency situations. He emphasized that communities are not financially equipped to handle significant emergency costs without external support, especially in the case of successive or major events.
The damages included warping of concrete matting along Cougar Creek’s banks, erosion of gravel roads leading to the dam, and debris accumulation behind the dam necessitating road reconstruction for removal by excavators.
Caitlin Miller, Canmore’s manager of protective services and director of emergency management, highlighted the rapid deterioration of conditions at Cougar and Stoneworks creeks, prompting the declaration of a local emergency, issuance of evacuation alerts, and evacuation of one residence.
Weather events, she emphasized, can deviate from initial predictions, requiring decisions based on real-time data. Monitoring these points remains crucial for informed decision-making during emergencies.
The recent rainfall and flooding served as the first major test of the Cougar Creek dam, which successfully trapped 5,000 cubic metres of sediment and fallen trees behind it. Miller credited the dam for mitigating what could have been a more severe event, recalling the significant damage caused by debris during the 2013 floods.
While the dam is designed to reduce the impact of flooding, Pendon noted that it cannot eliminate it entirely. Zabrina Pendon, Canmore’s engineering manager, affirmed that the dam functioned according to its design during the recent event.
The municipality is awaiting approval for provincial funding, with Pendon expressing confidence in a positive outcome following productive discussions with the province.
Overall, the Hazard Assistance and Resilience Program is poised to alleviate the financial strain on Canmore in the aftermath of the damaging floods, showcasing the importance of collaborative efforts in disaster response and recovery.