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 our city faces, as it remains largely unprotected from major flooding.
ELBOW RIVER
CEAA submits information requests on Springbank Project environmental assessment
On the Elbow River, the Springbank Off-Stream reservoir is progressing through regulatory reviews. The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) has submitted 86 information request questions, to which Alberta Transportation is currently compiling its responses. Read more.
Springbank landowners withdraw litigation
In May 2018, a Notice of Application was filed asserting that the 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 been canceled.
Although it is unclear why the landowners withdrew, it is good news; as the litigation could have delayed the project. Read more.
BOW RIVER
Although there have been achievements in terms of local mitigation, we are still quite far from securing the crucial upstream mitigation Calgary needs.
Research on Bow River upstream options expected to begin in November
To secure an independent firm to conduct the research, Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) sent out a Request For Proposals (RFP) on September 14, 2018, which closed on Oct 12. AEP hopes to award the contract and start the project in early November 2018, with project completion one year later. Read more.
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.
We’ve compiled an overview of the project including details on the flood mitigation measures and information about related projects planned for the area. Read more.
Centre Street Bridge flood barrier nearly complete
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 to support temporary flood barriers, is expected to be complete by the end of October. Read more.
Feel free to share this information with others (please do!).
Questions? Comments? Email us at info@floodfreecalgary.com.