Gov’t speakers underscore commitment to flood mitigation measures and support of Springbank Off-stream Reservoir

A big thanks to everyone who came out for the AGM on Tuesday evening.  Special thanks to all of our presenters who took time from their schedules to share valuable information about flood protection for Calgary. It was fantastic to see such a large showing and the audience was lively and engaged. Great job everyone!

• Hon. MP Kent Hehr declared that, as member of parliament and as a person who lives in the floodplain, he is committed to [the Springbank Off-stream Reservoir]. 
• Hon. MLA Kathleen Ganley confirmed that the Springbank project remains the best choice over McLean Creek option, and advised that Hon. MLA Shaye Anderson would meet with CRCAG in the near future to discuss the floodway development regulations.
• Mayor Naheed Nenshi emphasized that Calgary’s “city council is absolutely united and that flood mitigation remains number one priority of the city.”

To re-live the evening, head over to Twitter. We’ve captured video, photos, speaker quotes, and more under the hashtag #crcagagm.

Presentations:

• 2017 CRCAG AGM – CRCAG
• Bow River Water Management Project – Rick Blackwood, ADM, Strategy Division Environment and Parks
• Springbank Off-stream Reservoir (SR1) – Landon Reppert, Executive Director, Major Capital Projects Branch, Alberta Transportation
• Flood Mitigation Update – Sandy Davis, River Engineering Group, Watershed Planning, Water Resources, City of Calgary Water Resources

Media coverage:

• Global – Contentious Springbank dam stirs up debate at Calgary flood mitigation meeting
• 660 News – Springbank Dam remains contentious flood mitigation solution

Many thanks to all who donated funds at the event. With several thousand dollars raised, this financial support will help us to move some key items forward in the coming months. 

Also, we have received many encouraging messages from members, thanking us for our efforts at the AGM. We appreciate your heartfelt feedback and have included these messages below for all members to view.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

Following the success of the AGM, there is still plenty of work to be done. We are seeking volunteers to support the board in our continued efforts. If you are interested in helping out, please email info@crcactiongroup.com.

Regards,

Your CRCAG Board

MEMBER FEEDBACK

I wanted to take a minute to tell you what a fantastic job you did at the Annual Meeting this week.  Your opening remarks were very powerful and I’m sure everyone in the room left recharged and ready to take on another year of challenges.  Great leadership!!  Well done.

-Marcy Scratch

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Just wanted to say what a fabulous job you’re doing. Last night was extremely well-organized and informative. Thank-you for all that you do. Best!

-Kerrie Hale

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Dear CRGAG board members and others helpers,

I attended last evening with my neighbour and dear friend, Kathy Bawden. I was continually amazed, even awe-struck by the talent, competence and dedication of all of you who are advocating for flood mitigation on our behalf! “It is coming together,” thanks to you! How can we ever thank you enough?

Also, I felt “heard,” in terms of the flood experience.  I wanted to jump up and tell of the older couple we found weeping in their ruined kitchen three days later, traumatized and without help thus far.  Or the couple that came up the street to say goodbye as they walked away from their home of many years and their neighbours.  Or the man who wept when we left a small flower on his doorstep;  his family home had been flooded twice. I weep to remember the collective trauma and grief of this time and these good neighbour- friends who are gone from our community .

I have lived for 52 years now in East Elbow Park.  I love the place! So did they; so do we all.

With gratitude and appreciation,

-Mary Saucier

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Thank you for putting on such a well-organised and useful meeting.  I sincerely appreciate the hard work that is going into this.  I have no doubt that much of the positive news we heard and much of the progress that has been made is a direct result of the political pressure that the CRCAG has kept up. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

-David Hawkings, Rideau Park