Backgrounder: Canada helps protect three Alberta communities from flood risks

Projects in Canmore, Bragg Creek and Raymond

All three projects announced today were approved under the Disaster Mitigation Infrastructure category of the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects.

Cougar Creek Long Term Flood Mitigation Project in Canmore

In Canmore, a number of studies conducted under the Mountain Creek Hazard Mitigation Program have helped the community to select and design the best approaches to mitigate local debris flooding. The Town of Canmore intends to construct a 100-metre-wide debris dam across Cougar Creek, a steep mountain creek, which discharges into the Bow River. In a flood event, the proposed dam will protect thousands of residents and more than 100 businesses – one-third of Canmore's business community – from water and debris. This project will also help to reduce flood risks along the Trans-Canada Highway and keep evacuation routes clear in the event of severe storms.

The Government of Canada will provide up to $14,447,565 for this project. The Province of Alberta has already contributed $20,350,000 and the Town of Canmore will be responsible for all remaining costs of the project, which has a total estimated cost of $48,240,500. However, additional funding may be available through the Alberta Community Resilience Program. An Environmental Impact Assessment for the Cougar Creek project is currently under review. The provincial Natural Resources Conservation Board is required to make a decision that the project is in the public interest before it can proceed.

Flood Mitigation Project in the Hamlet of Bragg Creek

The Hamlet of Bragg Creek in Rocky View County was particularly devastated by the 2013 floods. Based on the recommendations of a flood mitigation report developed for the Southern Alberta Flood Recovery Taskforce, an earthen dyke will be constructed adjacent to the Elbow River. This will guard against future flood damage, control erosion, and accommodate future maintenance activities. The project will protect approximately 450 residents and 80 local businesses in the Hamlet, as well as encourage development and business activity in the area.

The Government of Canada will provide up to $5,589,441 for this project, and the Province of Alberta will provide the balance of the funding up to the current total estimated cost of $32,870,000. Rocky View County would be responsible for any cost overruns beyond the current estimated total project costs.

South Drainage Diversion Project in Raymond

Based on recommendations from the Town of Raymond's Flood Mitigation Plan, a critical drainage project will allow the Town to divert overland run-off into Corner Lake and then into upgraded retention ponds in the Town's golf course. This project will re-route stormwater currently overloading the Town's infrastructure and areas north of Raymond to minimal risk areas and allow storm water to be discharged in a controlled manner downstream. Over 100 homes and several local businesses, medical facilities and community infrastructure will be protected from potential damage. It will also help protect the agricultural crops surrounding Raymond, which are at risk of flooding.

The Government of Canada will provide up to $545,343 for this project. The Province of Alberta will contribute $927,957 through the Alberta Community Resilience Program. The Town of Raymond will be responsible for all remaining costs of the project, which has a total estimated cost of $1,636,196.