In Canmore, the recent heavy rainfall and subsequent floods caused approximately $2.1 million in damages. However, the municipality is expected to receive significant financial assistance from the Alberta government’s Hazard Assistance and Resilience Program, which could cover up to $1.9 million of the costs, with the remaining amount to be covered by municipal reserves.
The severe flooding event, categorized as a once-in-50-year occurrence, resulted in Canmore experiencing around 138 millimetres of rainfall in less than a day on June 28 and 29. This led to damage to various municipal infrastructures, with the response efforts estimated to have cost about $232,000 according to a staff report.
Mayor Sean Krausert expressed gratitude for the provincial program, stating that it is a valuable resource that helps alleviate the financial burden on local taxpayers. He highlighted the challenges faced by communities in handling emergency costs, especially in the case of successive or major events.
The flooding caused damage such as warping of concrete matting along Cougar Creek, erosion of gravel roads leading to the dam, and the accumulation of debris behind the dam that will require road reconstruction for removal by excavators.
Caitlin Miller, the municipality’s manager of protective services and director of emergency management, emphasized the importance of monitoring potential hazards like flooding and rainfall. She noted the rapid deterioration of conditions at Cougar and Stoneworks creeks, which prompted the declaration of a local state of emergency, issuance of evacuation alerts, and the evacuation of one home.
The recent flooding event served as a test for the Cougar Creek dam, which successfully trapped an estimated 5,000 cubic metres of sediment and fallen trees behind it. Miller acknowledged the dam’s crucial role in mitigating the impact of the floods, preventing a potentially more severe event compared to the 2013 floods that caused significant damage to the town.
Zabrina Pendon, Canmore’s manager of engineering, praised the dam for performing as intended by the engineers. While awaiting provincial approval for the costs, Pendon expressed confidence in a positive outcome following productive discussions with the province.
