In Canmore, the recent heavy rainfall and subsequent floods caused approximately $2.1 million in damages to municipal infrastructure. However, the municipality is expected to offset most of this cost through the Alberta government’s Hazard Assistance and Resilience Program. The provincial grant may cover up to $1.9 million, with the remainder covered by municipal reserves.
The rare flood event, occurring once in 50 years, resulted in around 138 millimetres of rain within a 24-hour period on June 28 and 29. This led to damage to various municipal infrastructure, with response costs totaling approximately $232,000 as per a staff report.
Canmore Mayor Sean Krausert expressed gratitude for the program, stating it is invaluable in relieving local taxpayers from bearing the financial burden of such emergencies. He emphasized that communities are not financially equipped to handle such costs independently, particularly in the case of recurring or significant events.
The flood caused damage such as warping of concrete matting along Cougar Creek, washout of gravel roads leading to the dam, and debris accumulation behind the dam, necessitating road reconstruction for debris removal.
Caitlin Miller, the municipality’s manager of protective services and director of emergency management, highlighted the rapid deterioration of conditions at Cougar and Stoneworks creeks northeast of town, which prompted the declaration of a local state of emergency and potential evacuation alerts.
The recent rainfall and flooding served as a crucial test for the Cougar Creek dam, with the municipality estimating that 5,000 cubic metres of sediment and fallen trees were trapped behind the structure. Officials emphasized the dam’s effectiveness in mitigating potential damage, although it cannot completely eliminate the impact of such events.
Zabrina Pendon, Canmore’s engineering manager, stated that the dam performed according to its design during the flood event. The municipality is awaiting provincial approval for the incurred costs, with Pendon expressing confidence in a positive outcome following productive discussions with the province.
