In 2021, we saw significant milestones achieved on critical flood mitigation infrastructure for Calgary. Yet, while we were protecting ourselves, our neighbours in British Columbia were being subjected to their own dose of devastation.
We’ve rounded up the news highlights from the year below. But first, we want to share a recent story from the Globe & Mail that presents a thorough dive into the Sprinbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1) project.
Globe & Mail – How Calgary’s massive, multi-million flood mitigation project aims to tame the Elbow River
2021 flood news and highlights:
January
CRCAG – New flood inundation maps released & Albertans invited to provide feedback
Globe & Mail – Calgary flood control reservoir (SR1) clears federal environmental review
CBC News – Calgary chopping down 160 trees on Eau Claire pathway (for flood mitigation and construction)
February
CRCAG – SR1 Environmental Impact Assessment deemed complete by AEP
March
CBC News – Public interest review begins into proposed Springbank reservoir to protect Calgary from floods (NRCB hearing)
CRCAG – Recording of CRCAG/FFC at hearing. Plus, next steps for hearing and beyond.
Canadian Underwriter – Review hears closing arguments into proposed reservoir to protect Calgary from floods
April
Calgary Herald – Neighbourhood opposition stalls Bowness flood barrier
May
Globe & Mail – What an Oakville dispute tells us about flood risks for thousands of Canadian landowners
CRCAG – TransAlta agreement extended for 5 years
CRCAG – Bow River update: upstream reservoir, Bowness barrier, Ghost drawdown study, more“
June
Calgary Herald – Heat wave leads to flood conditions in Banff and area
CRCAG – Bow River upstream reservoir engagement sessions in June
Airdrie Today – Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation still opposing government flood mitigation project
CRCAG – The eighth-year anniversary, and some light at the end of the tunnel
Calgary Herald – Provincial regulator approves contentious Springbank flood dam
CRCAG – Next steps for SR1 now that it’s NRCB approved
July
CBC News – Springbank reservoir receives approval from federal minister, clearing major hurdle
CRCAG – Federal minister approves Springbank Off-stream Reservoir
August/September
City of Calgary – Construction begins on downtown barrier
Livewire – Sunnyside flood barrier design would result in hundreds of heritage trees lost along Memorial Drive
October
Calgary Herald – Province says all land secured for Springbank dam construction
CRCAG – SR1 approved by provincial cabinet, construction expected in late-spring 2022
November/December
CBC News – Calgary city council votes to declare climate emergency
CRCAG – How to help BC flood victims
CBC News: In a single week: A timeline of how once-in-a-century flooding unfolded across B.C.
CRCAG – Another Milestone: 100 Months (and counting) marked in November
With the groundbreaking of SR1 expected in Q2 of this year, there are certainly more milestones and notable news stories to come. We’ll continue to share our intel with you!
Regards,
Your CRCAG Board