Flood updates live TONIGHT: Ministers, Mayor, experts to speak at CRCAG AGM
Each year our fellow advocacy group Calgary River Communities Action Group hosts an event to provide information on current flood mitigation efforts. The CRCAG Annual General Meeting runs tonight virtually and you can register via Zoom here: registration link. Mayor Nenshi and Minister Doug Schweitzer will speak in addition to scheduled presenters as follows:
Tsuut’ina withdraw objections to Springbank Reservoir
It's official! The Tsuut'ina Nation will no longer oppose the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir project (SR1). As one of the project's largest and most vocal opponents, this is a significant breakthrough for the project. The Tsuut'ina have been vocal in their protests against SR1 since early-2017 and formally opposed the
Provincial 2020 budget survey closes Friday
Want to keep flood mitigation efforts moving forward? Submit your feedback to help inform the 2020 provincial budget. Click here to complete the 2020 provincial budget survey This is an important opportunity to highlight the importance of flood mitigation projects and ensure they receive the funding required. Survey closes Friday, February
Top 10: 2019 achievements and 2020 milestones
In reflecting on 2019, we'd like to offer a big thanks to all of our supporters for their attention and advocacy this year. We can't do this important work without you and the achievements listed here are, in part, due to the sustained effort of the Flood Free Calgary
Reminder: Submit feedback on Bow River reservoir options before Oct 31
The deadline for public feedback on the three short-listed Bow River reservoir options closes at 4 p.m. on October 31. This is an important opportunity for stakeholders to get their feedback on record. That includes all Calgarians who would be protected from future flooding by the selected reservoir. AEP's Bow Basin
Public invited to provide feedback on Bow River reservoir options
Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) has short-listed three Bow River reservoir options. This upcoming Tuesday, October 15 is the last of three public information sessions intended to share project information and collect public feedback. Bow Basin Water Management Options Info Session #3 Tuesday, October 15, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. RockPointe Church 255024 Lochend
Provincial ministers emphasize commitment to SR1 at CRCAG Annual General Meeting
In September, the Calgary River Communities Action Group (CRCAG) hosted their Annual General Meeting. Both Ministers Ric McIver and Doug Schweitzer spoke at the event and each emphasized the province's strong commitment to protecting Calgary, and to the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir Project (SR1) specifically. Each year this event offers
Invite: Ministers McIver and Schweitzer to speak at CRCAG AGM on Sept 19
The Calgary River Communities Action Group is hosting its Annual General Meeting next Thursday. This event is an opportunity to hear directly from elected officials on key flood mitigation projects. Date: Thursday, September 19 Time: Doors to public at 6:30 p.m. Program starts at 7:00 p.m. Location: Royal Canadian
June newsletter: SR1 regulatory answers, Bow River reservoir project, monitoring river conditions
While June saw promising developments on both the Bow and Elbow rivers, the six-year anniversary of the Southern Alberta Floods (and the heavy rainfall warnings that accompanied it) served as a stark reminder that our city remains largely unprotected from another flood disaster. Our work is far from over,
Bow River project focuses on site selection
With respect to the Bow River Water Management Options project, Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) has spent the last six months focusing on site selection for three reservoir options on the Bow River upstream of Calgary. As part of its commitment to engagement, AEP has provided community stakeholders with
How you can monitor weather and river conditions
The rainfall warnings we experienced in late-June hit a nerve for many Calgarians. When anxiety and fear run high, we can turn to data on weather and river conditions to help provide peace of mind. We've compiled quick-links for you to access information on current conditions and warnings. Alberta
Province submits responses to SR1 information requests
The Province has submitted its responses to regulatory information requests relating to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir Project (SR1). The 8,000-page document, compiled by Alberta Transportation, provides responses to information requests from Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP), the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) and the
May newsletter: SR1’s expert regulatory lawyer, flood season guide, water management issues
It is officially that time of year when Calgary is most likely to experience river flooding, and along with the arrival of flood season comes renewed public and media attention to our cause. The month of May saw a promising development on the SR1 file, a focus on water
Spotlight on water management at City Council
In May, water management issues took front and center at city council over two days mid-month. Watershed Management On May 13, during a day-long strategic meeting devoted to watershed management issues in the Calgary region, council discussed access to clean drinking water, stormwater and wastewater management, and overall water security
Flood season guide: resources, events, media coverage
It is officially that time of year when Calgary is most likely to experience river flooding. Flood season in Calgary runs from May 15 to July 15, and this year we will also observe the sixth anniversary of the Southern Alberta Floods. During flood season, there is a lot
Flood Free Calgary presents to Chinatown community
On May 9, Flood Free Calgary joined members of the Chinatown community to discuss the need for upstream flood mitigation. Paul Battistella Spokesperson Paul Battistella was joined by Calgary River Communities Action Group Co-president, Tony Morris, and Sandra Davis from City of Calgary’s river engineering team. Attendees
Expert regulatory lawyer hired to expedite SR1 project
On May 3, it was announced that expert regulatory Martin Ignasiuk had been appointed to the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1) file to assess opportunities to expedite the project. Martin Ignasiak (Image: Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP) Ignasiuk has 28 years experience in law, is a key contact
March and April newsletter: Election impacts, design of Downtown Barrier, flood funding and more
Things ramped up quite a bit in March and April with the lead-up to the election. We were in close communication with fellow advocacy group, the Calgary River Communities Action Group, and together we connected with many election candidates to educate them about flood risk and upstream mitigation projects.
Invitation: FFC presenting in Chinatown community
Flood Free Calgary has been invited to present to the Chinatown community about the need for upstream flood mitigation and the status of projects on both the Bow and Elbow Rivers. This is a public event and all are invited to attend. Date: Thursday, May 9, 2019 Time: 4:00-5:00
Upstream mitigation post-election: What happens now?
Now that April 16th is behind us, and we all know we will be moving forward with a new UCP government, we wanted to share their public statement in support of the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1) project and outline next steps for the project. “On day one of a
Downtown Barrier designs revealed at Eau Claire open house
The city has revealed preliminary designs for the Eau Claire Public Realm Plan including the Downtown Barrier, a critical piece of infrastructure that will protect our downtown from future flooding. In April, the city hosted an open house to share design plans and seek feedback on the Eau Claire
City to host open house on Downtown Barrier this weekend
You'll remember two critical pieces of flood mitigation were completed in Eau Claire late last year; West Eau Claire Park and the Centre Street Bridge barrier. Now the city needs your input on the next phase: extending the Eau Claire Promenade to the Reconciliation Bridge. The city is hosting a public house to
Flood Free Calgary presents at Inglewood Community Association
On April 7, 2019, Flood Free Calgary spoke about the need for upstream flood mitigation at the Inglewood Community Association's (ICA) general residents meeting. Spokesperson Paul Battistella was joined by Calgary River Communities Action Group Co-president, Tony Morris, and two representatives from the City of Calgary's flood team; Jonathan
Your flood stories: Meyer family, Elbow Park
This is a story shared by Nancy Inlow on behalf of her parents, Art and Viv Meyer, former residents of Elbow Park. My parents, Art and Viv Meyer, had lived on Park Lane since 1992 and another dozen years on Garden Cresent from 1962 to 1974 without ever having
Your flood stories: Taste restaurant, Victoria Park
This is a story shared by Brendan Bankowski, owner/operator of the now-closed Taste restaurant in Victoria Park. I owned a small 26 seat wine bar called Taste located in the Hotel Arts retail section along 1st Street SW in the Beltline. We had zero water, sewer or collateral damage.
Federal funds announced for Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1)
The federal government has announced it will provide $168.5 million to help fund the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1) on the Elbow River. Minister Mason speaks at the federal announcement of $168.5 million in funding for the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir. This is the second significant development for SR1
Your flood stories: David Allen, Roxboro
This is a story shared by David Allen, a current resident of Roxboro. Watch David's emotional journey in his video, "After the Flood": https://vimeo.com/98867653 Our initial reaction to the evacuation announcements going out over the radio on June 21, 2013 was one of scepticism more than anything. However, the gravity of
Your flood stories: Elbow River Casino, Victoria Park
This story was originally shared by the Victoria Park BIA on behalf of Scott Roberts, Director of Marketing at the Elbow River Casino. Scott Roberts, Director of Marketing at the Elbow River Casino, says the day the 2013 floods ripped through Alberta was one of the craziest days he’s experienced;
$15 million funding for Bow River local flood mitigation
Two critical Bow River flood mitigation projects, the Downtown Barrier and the Upper Plateau Separation Project in Sunnyside-Hillhurst are set to receive an additional $15 million in provincial funding through the Alberta Community Resilience Program (ACRP). Read the Government of Alberta’s news release on the March 6, 2019 announcement here. You can read
February newsletter: Your flood stories, coalition update, and Flood Free Calgary presentations
February was a fairly quiet month flood-news-wise but, with a provincial election looming, we've been busy behind the scenes working to educate people about Calgary's flood risk and upstream mitigation solutions, primarily the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1). We've summarized updates below and you can read each item in more
Your flood stories: SalvEdge Boutique, Victoria Park
This is a story shared by Krista Hopfauf, Owner/Operator of SalvEdge Boutique, a clothing consignment business currently operating in Victoria Park. It's been nearly six years since the devastating flood of 2013 but sometimes it feels like yesterday, especially the moment another tragedy or hardship strikes. Empathy comes more
Your flood stories: Margot Coppus, Elbow Park
This is a story shared by Margot Coppus, a current resident of Elbow Park. On Thursday, June 20, 2013 in the early afternoon, an announcement came through over the intercom at my office that anyone living in Elbow Park should go home and get ready to evacuate. By
Your flood stories: Stan Price, Rideau Roxboro
This is a story shared by Stan Price, a current resident of Rideau Roxboro. My name is Stan Price and I live in the community of Rideau Roxboro in Calgary. I remember the flood like it was yesterday, as I and pretty much our whole community was affected
Your flood stories: Tom Yeoman, Elbow Park
This is a story shared by Tom Yeoman, a former resident of Elbow Park. Having lived through the 2005 flood of the Elbow in Calgary, I felt almost prepared for 2013. Dutifully, when evacuation orders came on June 20, 2013, I was overnighting at my daughter's home. We found,
January newsletter: Former SR1 opponent agrees to sell land, flood coalition, your flood stories, more
Although it is still early in the year, January brought a couple promising developments in the fight for upstream mitigation. A surprise land purchase announcement from the Government of Alberta this week has been cause for optimism (albeit very measured optimism), and a newly formed flood coalition is strengthening
Former Springbank Project opponent agrees to sell land to Province
On Tuesday, the Government of Alberta announced that the Sprinkbank landowners, the Robinson family, had agreed to sell the land required for the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir Project (SR1). The land purchase amounts to 188 hectares (465 acres) and, with this latest acquisition, the province has now purchased 20 percent of the total 1,566 hectares
Do you have a flood story to share? We want to hear it.
Over the next few weeks and months, Flood Free Calgary (FFC) and the Calgary River Communities Action Group (CRCAG) will be profiling the stories of Calgary home and business owners about their experiences with disaster, tragedy, and perseverance through the 2013 Calgary floods. We want to hear from you! Selected stories will be
Your flood stories: Battistella Developments
This is a story shared by Paul Battistella, Co-owner/Operator of Battistella Developments and Spokesperson for Flood Free Calgary. Battistella Developments has been developing in Calgary inner-city for almost 40 years. During that time the growth and importance of the centre city has grown dramatically. East Village, where Battistella
Key documents and resources on Springbank-Off Stream Reservoir
Let's be clear. The misconception that the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir Project (SR1) has not been given due scrutiny and study is false. When the province began looking at options for upstream mitigation on the Elbow River, substantial expert study was conducted that lead to the project being chosen over
Flood coalition joins business leaders and advocacy groups in support of upstream mitigation
This January, Flood Free Calgary joined forces with fellow flood advocacy group, Calgary River Communities Action Group (CRCAG), to host a community forum on flood mitigation and to kick-off a flood coalition in support of upstream mitigation including the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir Project (SR1). Community leaders were invited to the
December newsletter: 2018 milestones, Springbank project faces more opposition, disaster funding, more
Happy New Year to you! As we venture into 2019 and face the challenges that may come, your support is greatly appreciated. Reflecting on 2018, the five-year anniversary of the flood served as a glaring reminder of how unprotected our city remains. We saw the commencement of study on
New penalties for ignoring disaster evacuation orders
As of November 19, 2018, citizens ignoring evacuation orders are now subject to fines up to $10,000 and/or up to one year in jail. These penalties are part of an amendment to the Emergency Management Act, the act that provides the legislative framework for local and provincial management of emergencies
Alberta receives $8.7 million for disaster funding from federal government
In December 2018, the federal government announced $8.7 million in funding for disaster mitigation projects in Alberta. The funds will be provided through the National Disaster Mitigation Program and will support 18 projects throughout the province. Risk Assessment(s) - Seven projects will fund risk assessments to identify flood hazards, potential impacts,
Rocky View County votes to oppose Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir project
Rocky View County council has voted to officially oppose the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir Project (SR1) that is planned for the Elbow River. The county will ask the Province to halt the project and to reconsider alternate options, such as the McLean Creek (MC1) project. In the report reviewed by
Bow River studies begin, Canmore gets NRCB approval for debris dam, and more news
Since we checked-in with you last month, there have been a couple of promising developments. We've summarized key news below and you can read each item in more detail on our blog. We spent the month of November connecting with many local businesses to discuss Calgary's flood risks and
Study begins on Bow River upstream options
Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) has awarded the contract for the Conceptual Assessment study of the three Bow River upstream options to Wood Canada Limited. The Request for Proposals (RFP) for the work closed on October 12, 2018, with Wood Canada Limited's Environment & Infrastructure Solutions team, located in Calgary, winning
Canmore gets regulatory approval for Cougar Creek debris structure
The Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) has approved Canmore's proposed Cougar Creek debris and flood retention structure. The project has been progressing through regulatory review since Canmore's town council approved the project in 2015. As we wait for regulatory approval on the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (and will eventually need for
Bow River Basin Council Forum on December 12
The next Bow River Basin Council's (BRBC) quarterly educational and networking forum will be held on December 12th, 2018 at the Heritage Inn in High River. The forum is specifically themed on stewardship and there will be a number of presentations about the great work that is being done
Upstream mitigation on Bow, West Eau Claire Park, and more
We’re reaching out to update you on a few of the recent developments on flood protection for Calgary. In terms of the work Flood Free Calgary has been doing these past months, we have continued our important conversations with members of the business community to highlight the economic risks
Research on Bow River upstream options expected to begin in November
Earlier this year, the provincial government announced it would study three upstream storage options for the Bow River that were identified in the Bow River Water Management Project report in May 2017. To secure an independent firm to conduct the research, Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) sent out a Request For
West Eau Claire Park completed
After 18 months of construction, West Eau Claire Park is complete. The public can now access the park gardens, public art, revitalized pathway and separated cycle track, all with the reassurance of flood mitigation built into the park's design. Below, we've compiled an overview of the project including details
Centre Street Bridge flood barrier near completion
This fall, the lower deck of the Centre Street Bridge was temporarily closed for flood mitigation improvements. The bridge has reopened and the project, which involves installing cement pillars steel guiderails and a concrete foundation to support placement of temporary aluminum flood barriers during a flood event , is
CEAA submits information requests on Springbank Project environmental assessment
As part of the normal regulatory process, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) has requested additional information on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir Project. The information requests were submitted to Alberta Transportation, the project proponent, in three packages with a total of 86 questions: June
Springbank landowners withdraw legal action
In May 2018, a Notice of Application was filed asserting that the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir Project (SR1) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submitted by Alberta Transportation did not meet the CEAA’s guidelines. A Federal Court hearing was scheduled in November, however, the landowners withdrew their application and the hearing has
Support the Springbank project – write to CEAA by June 15
Voice your opinion on Springbank Project - deadline is June 15 The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) wants to hear your opinion on the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir Project environmental assessment. The deadline for public comments is June 15. Get your support on record. As a next step, the CEAA will prepare the draft
Submit your feedback to CEAA – Open house Thursday, May 24
CEAA invites public comments on Springbank Project environmental assessment Tomorrow evening, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) will host the second of two open houses to collect public feedback on the environmental assessment of the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir Project. When: Thursday, May 24, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Province pledges funds for flood mitigation in Calgary
Government of Alberta announces funds for flood mitigation, will study three upstream options for the Bow River Earlier this month, the Government of Alberta announced funding for flood mitigation projects throughout the province, including $13.5 million for Calgary projects. The funds are part of the Alberta Community Resilience Program
Revised Environmental Impact Assessment submitted to regulator
In terms of the schedule, the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (Springbank Project) is currently progressing through the regulatory process. As part of the regulatory process, Alberta Transportation (the Springbank Project proponent) was required to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the Project, to be submitted to both the provincial Natural Resources Conservation
Welcome to Flood Free Calgary, thank-you for your support.
Over the past few months, we have had impassioned conversations with many of you on the topic of flood risk in Calgary. We are keen to start sharing flood-related information and to involve you in this important cause. Newly formed late last year, our organization works to advocate for timely flood