Canada’s regulatory system is broken. It’s what we’ve experienced the last six years, and it’s what former MLA for Calgary-Elbow Greg Clark discussed in his letter to the Calgary Herald this week. As we commemorate the sixth anniversary of the 2013 Southern Alberta Floods, we reflect on how far we’ve come but also on how far we’ve yet to go. “Both [previous] governments, and now the UCP, have followed the […]

On Friday, Alberta Transportation announced that its responses to the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) information requests had been submitted. In the 8,000-page response, the ministry answers nearly 600 questions collected from the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA), Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB), and Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP). The work to answer these questions has been ongoing since June 2018, when the first information requests were […]

“Opponents believe the change in government will give them another shot at convincing politicians to reconsider.” That’s what CBC Calgary reported in their article Proposed Springbank reservoir faces renewed, invigorated opposition and in their news broadcast (video at 16:30) last week. But the facts haven’t changed. The Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1) was chosen as (and still is) the superior project for the Province to move forward with. “The Springbank project […]

Each year during flood season, the City of Calgary undertakes a flood readiness campaign to share flood-related information and resources. New this year: a river flooding story map and flood-themed walking tours. The river flooding story map is incredibly impactful and informative, especially the “flood map” tab. It’s why we’ve been at this for six years! We’ve shared the full City newsletter below. Additionally, you can find a roundup of flood season media […]

With the flood season upon us and the sixth anniversary of the 2013 Southern Alberta Floods approaching, there is an abundance of media coverage to keep up with. For ease of reading, we have compiled media links below for you. Airdrie Today Information session for more dialogue on SR1 project Province updates RVC on Springbank Reservoir project Calgary Herald UCP government hires lawyer to explore expedited construction of Springbank dam […]

With flood season upon us, there is no shortage of media coverage on the issue of flood mitigation and, as usual, some of it is troubling. Last week, the Calgary Herald published an opinion article This is Ric McIver’s second shot at building the Springbank dam; good luck to him by Don Braid that highlighted MLA Banff-Kananaskis Miranda Rosin’s controversial stance on the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir Project (SR1). “We need […]

It is important to remember that the upstream communities of Bragg Creek and Redwood Meadows are not forgotten and will, in fact, have flood protections in place before Calgary will be protected by the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir Project (SR1). Bragg Creek Flood Mitigation Project Project proponent: Rocky View CountyLevel of protection: 1:100 year flood eventProject status: unknownAnticipated completion: Fall 2019 Landscaped earthen berms and retention walls will be erected along […]

In one of his first moves as Alberta’s new Transportation Minister, MLA Calgary-Hays Ric McIver has appointed expert regulatory lawyer Martin Ignasiak to assess opportunities to expedite construction of the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir. “We need an independent expert to evaluate the Springbank Reservoir project and determine what can be done to move this project forward. We are confident that Mr. Ignasiak will help us move quickly to protect the safety and […]

With Calgary’s flood season fast approaching (May 15 to July 15), there are a number of flood-related events happening throughout the city in the coming weeks. To keep you in-the-loop during this busy time, we’ve listed upcoming events below.  Canada’s Emergency Preparedness Week This year, Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) is May 5-11, 2019. Emergency Preparedness Week is a national awareness initiative that has taken place annually since 1996. It […]

Alberta’s new provincial cabinet was sworn in on Tuesday, April 30, 2019. Full announcement here. We now know who will be leading the ministries in charge of critical flood mitigation projects for the Bow and Elbow Rivers. Transportation, the proponent of the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir Project (SR1), will be lead by MLA Calgary-Hays, Ric McIver. Previously, McIver has served Albertans as Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure, and Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour.  Environment and […]