2013 Alberta floods

2013 natural disaster in southern Alberta, Canada June 2013 2013 Alberta floods East Village Calgary Flood 2013.jpg 350px The Downtown East Village neighbourhood of Calgary, Alberta, during the 2013 Alberta floods (June 21, 2013) June 19July 12, 2013 Southern and central Alberta:http://alberta.ca/rainfall-impacted-areas.cfm/ Affected Communities Government of Alberta June 23, 2013 June 24, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130627210128/http://alberta.ca/rainfall-impacted-areas.cfm June 27, 2013 mdy-all left left Communities Banff, M.D. of Bighorn No. 8 (Benchlands, Dead Man's Flats, Exshaw, Harvie Heights and Lac des Arcs), Black Diamond, Calgary, Canmore, Cochrane, Crowsnest Pass, Cypress County, Devon, Drumheller, M.D. of Foothills No. 31, Fort Macleod, High River, Kananaskis I.D., Lethbridge, Lethbridge County, Medicine Hat, Mountain View County, M.D. of Pincher Creek No. 9, M.D. of Ranchland No. 66, Okotoks, Red Deer, Red Deer County, Redcliff, Redwood Meadows, Rocky View County (Bragg Creek), Siksika Nation, Stoney Nation (Morley), Sundre, Tsuu T'ina Nation, Turner Valley, Vulcan County and M.D. of Willow Creek No. 26 5The flood's tragic toll: Remembering the five lives lost https://calgaryherald.com/news/alberta-floods-2013/flood+tragic+toll+Remembering+five+lives+lost/9937864/story.html Calgary Herald 14 June 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20201112020617/https://calgaryherald.com/news/alberta-floods-2013/flood+tragic+toll+Remembering+five+lives+lost/9937864/story.html 12 November 2020 $5 billion (Estimated)($CA 5000000000 2013 in CA dollarsCA) In the days leading up to June 19, 2013, parts of southern and central Alberta, Canada experienced heavy rainfall that triggered catastrophic flooding described by the provincial government as the worst in Alberta's history. Areas along the Bow, Elbow, Highwood, Red Deer, Sheep, Little Bow, and South Saskatchewan rivers and their tributaries were particularly affected. A total of 32 states of local emergency were declaredhttp://alberta.ca/rainfall-impacted-areas.cfm/ 2013 Alberta Flood Recovery: Your Community Government of Alberta July 13, 2013 July 17, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130715173853/http://alberta.ca/rainfall-impacted-areas.cfm July 15, 2013 mdy-all and 28 emergency operations centres were activatedhttp://alberta.ca/acn/201306/3439971DE6A21-FD13-B8D7-01FE9183DB16ACAC.html https://archive.today/20130624234847/http://alberta.ca/acn/201306/3439971DE6A21-FD13-B8D7-01FE9183DB16ACAC.html dead June 24, 2013 Update 5: Government continues to respond to flooding emergency Government of Alberta June 23, 2013 June 23, 2013 as water levels rose and numerous communities were placed under evacuation orders.Wood James Harper, Redford promise to help Calgary Herald June 22, 2013 A5 Five people were confirmed dead as a direct result of the flooding and over 100,000 people were displaced throughout the region. Some 2,200 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) troops were deployed to help in flooded areas in addition to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Alberta Sheriffs Branch response. Total damage estimates exceeded 5 billion and in terms of insurable damages, made the 2013 Alberta floods the costliest disaster in Canadian history at $1.7 billion, until the occurrence of the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire. Receding waters gave way to a mammoth cleanup of affected areas, aided by a spontaneous volunteer campaign in which many homeowners were assisted by complete strangers. Meteorology thumb|250px|right|Accumulated precipitation contours showing the June 19–22, 2013 rainfall event within Alberta's Rockies and the foothills that triggered the floodinghttp://environment.alberta.ca/forecasting/data/precipmaps/event_Jun19_22.PDF Precipitation Map: June 19-22, 2013 Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development July 18, 2013 February 26, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140226012504/http://environment.alberta.ca/forecasting/data/precipmaps/event_Jun19_22.PDF live Situated east of the Canadian Rockies, southern Alberta is a semi-arid region that does not usually receive high amounts of rainfall. Late June 2013, a high-pressure system in northern Alberta blocked the passage to a low-pressure area to the south. This blocked circulation and easterly winds pumped humidity on the rising slopes of the Rocky Mountains foothills, causing heavy rain to fall on the province with rainfall amounts of over 200 mm in less than two daysJuly 2013 in many regions of the province, particularly west and southwest of Calgary. In Canmore, a town in Alberta's Rockies, over 220 mm fell in just 36 hours between 19 and 21 June,Smithwick Shannon 2013-11-21 Timeline of Events: Canmore https://waterportal.ca/canmore/ 2026-04-01 Canada WaterPortal en-US nearly half of the town's annual average rainfall.Williams Nia Haggett Scott http://ca.news.yahoo.com/floods-canadas-oil-capital-calgary-force-75-000-151201622.html Floods shut down Canada's oil capital, four to five may be dead Reuters June 21, 2013 June 21, 2013 dead https://archive.today/20130624234853/http://ca.news.yahoo.com/floods-canadas-oil-capital-calgary-force-75-000-151201622.html June 24, 2013 mdy-all In the town of High River, rainfall amounts at one weather station recorded 325 millimetres (12.8 in) in less than 48 hours. The rain falling on already saturated ground, coupled with the steep watershed and heavy snow loads remaining in the front ranges of the Rocky Mountains, resulted in a rapid increase in the size and flow of several rivers.Davison Janet Powers Lucas https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/why-alberta-s-floods-hit-so-hard-and-fast-1.1328991 Why Alberta's floods hit so hard and fast Canadian Broadcasting Corporation June 22, 2013 June 22, 2013 June 22, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130622182144/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2013/06/21/f-alberta-floods.html live At the peak of the flooding, the Bow and Elbow rivers were flowing through Calgary at three times their peak levels from a 2005 flood that caused 400 million in damages. Within 48 hours,what event was 48 hours before June 21? July 2013 by 8 a.m. MDT on June 21, the flow rate on the Bow River had reached 1,458 cubic metres (51,489 cubic ft.) per second (m3/s), five times its normal rate for this time of the year. The Elbow and Highwood rivers reached flow rates of 544 m3/s (inside Calgary) and 734 m3/s respectively, ten times their averages for this time of year.Two rivers run crazy Calgary Herald June 22, 2013 A7 According to data tracked by Alberta's Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development,May 8, 2012 Government of Alberta http://alberta.ca/acn/201205/322862DD7B1D9-AA32-9F78-02192F6786E99742.html New Cabinet team focused on growing Alberta's future: New structure to change the way government does business June 23, 2013 October 6, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211006123958/https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=322862DD7B1D9-AA32-9F78-02192F6786E99742 liveBiggest industry water users unveil Alberta conservation plans Elise Stolte Edmonton Journal June 18, 2013 https://edmontonjournal.com/technology/Biggest+industry+water+users+unveil+Alberta+conservation/8544200/story.htmlDecember 2021 InternetArchiveBot yes This June 18, 2013, story covered concerns about the typical "low flow in Alberta s rivers, particularly the Old Man, Bow and Red Deer rivers during the summer."Premier Redford created the Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRB) formerly known as the Ministry of Environment and Water on May 8, 2012. "in the space of a day or two, the flows of the three rivers rocketed up five to 10 times their normal rates."July 2013http://blogs.calgaryherald.com/2013/06/22/graphic-bow-elbow-and-highwood-flowing-five-to-10-times-normal-rate Calgary Herald June 22, 2013 June 23, 2013 Graphic: Bow, Elbow and Highwood flowing five to 10 times normal rate June 26, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130626062612/http://blogs.calgaryherald.com/2013/06/22/graphic-bow-elbow-and-highwood-flowing-five-to-10-times-normal-rate/ live Impact thumb|250px|right|A total of 32 local governments in southern and central Alberta declared states of local emergency as a result of the flooding. Government officials called the flooding the worst in Alberta's history.https://edmontonjournal.com/news/Province+says+flooding+worst+Alberta+history+states+local+emergency+place/8565439/story.html#ixzz2X5IWqgwc Province says flooding is worst in Alberta history; 25 states of local emergency in place Edmonton Journal June 23, 2013 June 23, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130625001246/http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Province+says+flooding+worst+Alberta+history+states+local+emergency+place/8565439/story.html#ixzz2X5IWqgwc June 25, 2013 dead mdy-all By June 24, 2013, some 2,200 Canadian Forces (CF) troops had been deployed to help in flooded areas. Land Force Western Area brought in Coyote reconnaissance vehicles, Bison armoured vehicles, G-Wagen Jeeps, and other military vehicles.1,300 troops deployed to assist with Alberta flood recovery June 22, 2013 Soo Today As communities began to flood and people became displaced, area residents mobilized to offer support and assistance to evacuees and emergency response personnel. Some volunteers and several police officers worked up to 20 hours to help evacuation efforts despite knowing their own homes had been damaged or completely washed away.Corbella Licia Spirit of Giving trumps tragedy Calgary Herald June 22, 2013 A17 While coverage of the flooding spread throughout social media sites, many people and businesses also took to Facebook and Twitter to open their homes up to neighbours and strangers who did not have other places to stay or offer whatever support they could.Jarvie Michelle Social media awash with acts of kindness Calgary Herald June 22, 2013 B2 Calgary right|350px|thumb|The flooded Glenmore Reservoir in Calgary, on June 21, 2013 In Calgary, Alberta's largest city, 26 neighbourhoodsAffected neighbourhoods included Beltline, Bonnybrook, Bowness, Bridgeland Industrial Area, Chinatown/Eau Claire, Cliff Bungalow, Deer Run, Discovery Ridge, Douglasdale, Downtown/East Village, Elbow Park, Erlton, Inglewood, Hillhurst, Mission, Montgomery, Quarry Park, Rideau Park, Riverbend, Riverdale, Roxboro, Stanley Park/Elboya, Sunnyside, Victoria Park, Westmount and Windsor Park in the vicinity of the Bow and Elbow rivers were placed under a mandatory evacuation order on June 20 and 21 as the rivers spilled over their banks and flooded communities.City of Calgary Newsroom Calgary, Alberta State of Local Emergency - Update http://newsroom.calgary.ca/pr/calgary/state-of-local-emergency-update-246975.aspx June 23, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130624084748/http://newsroom.calgary.ca/pr/calgary/state-of-local-emergency-update-246975.aspx June 24, 2013 dead mdy-all Affecting 75,000 people, it was the largest evacuation order in the city's history.Platt Michael 'Gods were laughing at us' Calgary Sun July 11, 2013 7 The city's downtown core was among the areas evacuated, as officials called for a "Neighbour Day" on June 21 and requested people to stay home, particularly the 350,000 people who work downtown.https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-flooding-claims-at-least-3-lives-1.1325013 4 feared dead from Alberta floods Canadian Broadcasting Corporation June 21, 2013 June 21, 2013 September 12, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130912132937/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2013/06/21/alberta-flooding-calgary-canmore-high-water.html live All schools in both the public and Catholic school districts were closed and officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel.Cameron MacIntosh reflects on the Calgary flood: Reporter's notebook: June is always a dangerous time in the Prairies Cameron MacIntosh CBC News June 23, 2013Gandia Renato Schneider Katie http://www.calgarysun.com/2013/06/21/schools-closed-thousands-of-calgary-homes-evacuated-in-calgarys-flood-of-a-lifetime Schools closed, thousands of Calgary homes evacuated in Calgary's 'flood of a lifetime' Calgary Sun June 21, 2013 June 21, 2013 2 https://web.archive.org/web/20130902021339/http://www.calgarysun.com/2013/06/21/schools-closed-thousands-of-calgary-homes-evacuated-in-calgarys-flood-of-a-lifetime September 2, 2013 dead On June 21, the Bow River had reached a record high water level of 4.09 m ft on. That same day, the river also reached a record high flow rate of 1750 m3/s ft3/s on.https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/report/historical_e.html?stn=05BH004&mode=Table&type=h2oArc&results_type=historical&dataType=Daily&parameterType=Flow&year=2013&y1Max=1&y1Min=1 Daily Discharge Data for BOW RIVER AT CALGARY (05BH004) [AB] wateroffice.ec.gc.ca June 22, 2017 February 12, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190212041804/https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/report/historical_e.html?stn=05BH004&mode=Table&type=h2oArc&results_type=historical&dataType=Daily&parameterType=Flow&year=2013&y1Max=1&y1Min=1 live Through social media,A highly detailed Google Map was updated to include neighbourhoods under mandatory evacuation and to show information such as the hydrology of the Bow and Elbow River systems. websites and blogsThe City of Calgary constantly updated their blog https://web.archive.org/web/20210710210457/http://www.calgarycitynews.com/ July 10, 2021 . with updated contributions from the Calgary's mayor,Mayor Nenshi https://web.archive.org/web/20130627210006/https://twitter.com/nenshi/ June 27, 2013 is well known for his effective use of social media. numerous city councillors,The City of Calgary's Facebook https://web.archive.org/web/20130216080534/https://www.facebook.com/TheCityofCalgary February 16, 2013 account was also widely used. the Calgary Police, media at all levels, and numerous Calgarians with Twitter,Twitter hashtags included #yycflood, #abflood. Flickr and Facebook accounts, the flood was well-covered.https://calgaryherald.com/news/LIVE+Flood+waters+siege+Calgary+southern+Alberta/8550481/story.html Calgary neighbourhoods underwater as Bow River's rise continue January 27, 2019 March 4, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304103750/http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/LIVE+Flood+waters+siege+Calgary+southern+Alberta/8550481/story.html dead https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-flooding-claims-at-least-3-lives-1.1325013?cmp=rss Alberta floods prompt widespread downtown Calgary evacuations June 23, 2013 June 24, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130624103315/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2013/06/21/alberta-flooding-calgary-canmore-high-water.html?cmp=rss live While the Calgary Police's Twitter account was locked when it reached its daily limit https://web.archive.org/web/20190217130307/http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Lessons+learned+Vancouver+from+Calgary+police+time+Twitter/8562598/story.html February 17, 2019 , this was temporary and there were numerous other options. The city's largest indoor arena, the Scotiabank Saddledome, was among the facilities damaged as flood waters were reported to have filled up to the first ten rows of the lower seating bowl.https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=425999 Saddledome, Stampede Grounds hit by flooding in Alberta The Sports Network June 21, 2013 June 21, 2013 June 24, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130624085135/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=425999 live The Calgary Stampede grounds adjacent to the arena were also severely flooded, less than two weeks before the scheduled opening of the annual exhibition and rodeo, however officials vowed the event would go on.https://edmontonjournal.com/Calgary+Stampede+grounds+under+water+Saddledome+submerged+flood+ravages+city/8560685/story.html Calgary's Stampede grounds under water, Saddledome submerged as flood ravages city Edmonton Journal June 21, 2013 June 21, 2013 June 23, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130623231445/http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Calgary+Stampede+grounds+under+water+Saddledome+submerged+flood+ravages+city/8560685/story.html live thumb|left|The Calgary Highlanders assisting city workers in flood relief in the community of Inglewood (June 22, 2013) While emergency officials began to announce the partial lifting of some evacuation orders on June 22,https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/evacuation-order-lifted-on-2-more-calgary-communities-1.1307845 Some Calgary flood evacuation orders expected to lift Canadian Broadcasting Corporation June 22, 2013 June 22, 2013 June 22, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130622182059/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2013/06/22/calgary-flooding-saturday.html live Mayor Naheed Nenshi stated that it would be several days before power could be restored to the downtown core.Cryderman Kelly Tait Carrie https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/officials-warn-downtown-calgary-powerless-till-at-least-midweek/article12759643/ Officials warn downtown Calgary powerless until at least midweek The Globe and Mail June 22, 2013 June 22, 2013 June 25, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130625140716/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/officials-warn-downtown-calgary-powerless-till-at-least-midweek/article12759643/ live City workers, assisted by Canadian Forces personnel from The Calgary Highlanders, reinforced a particularly large erosion of river bank near 8th Avenue S.E., which endangered several houses in the neighbourhood of Inglewood.Gavin John Canada's Oil Capital to Be Shut for Days after Flooding http://www.torontosun.com/2013/06/24/alison-redford-announces-initial-1-billion-in-flood-relief June 24, 2013 Toronto Sun June 24, 2013 October 12, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131012033836/http://www.torontosun.com/2013/06/24/alison-redford-announces-initial-1-billion-in-flood-relief livehttp://calgaryhighlanders.com/photos/2010-2020/2013albertaflood.htm Calgary Highlanders website article June 26, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131012034035/http://calgaryhighlanders.com/photos/2010-2020/2013albertaflood.htm October 12, 2013 dead Calgary's central business district, home to many of Canada's oil company headquarters, remained inaccessible until June 26.Williams Nia Canada's oil capital to be shut for days after flooding http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-floods-idUKBRE95L0C520130622 June 22, 2013 Reuters June 22, 2013 October 6, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211006123958/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-floods-idUKBRE95L0C520130622?edition-redirect=uk dead A spokesman for Imperial Oil, Canada's second-largest producer and refiner, said the company was working on plans to maintain essential operations, including allowing employees to work from other locations. Shorcan Energy Brokers, which provides live prices for many Canadian crude grades, operated out of Toronto on June 21 rather than at its usual Calgary base, although no trades in either Western Canada Select heavy blend or light synthetic crude from the oil sands were executed. Net Energy Inc, the other main Calgary crude broker, was closed on Friday, June 21, and there was no trading. As the water began to recede, the city lifted evacuation orders for several communities. It allowed 65,000 residents to return to their homes and business on June 23 to assess for damage, but parts of 14 communities remained off-limits.https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/like-nothing-we-ve-ever-seen-before-says-premier-on-floods-1.1332313 Calgary downtown core open for assessment Canadian Broadcasting Corporation June 23, 2013 June 23, 2013 June 23, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130623215411/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2013/06/23/calgary-water-receding-flood-cleanup-w.html live On June 27, the Bonnybrook Bridge collapsed under the weight of a Canadian Pacific Railway freight train. One of the pilings of the 101-year-old rail bridge had been scoured by floodwaters on the Bow River and undermined. CPR officials said that because the scour occurred underwater, they had not been able to inspect it, due to river conditions. However, rail regulations require the ability to inspect underwater. Calgary Herald https://calgaryherald.com/news/Rail+cars+filled+with+flammable+product+dropping+toward/8586387/story.html Bonnybrook bridge collapse due to flood, CP officials say (with video) June 27, 2013 Clara Ho and Sherri Zickefoose January 27, 2019 September 23, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150923231355/http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Rail+cars+filled+with+flammable+product+dropping+toward/8586387/story.html live The buckled bridge caused the train to derail. As the train was carrying hazardous petrochemicals, an evacuation was ordered for the local area and regions downstream, and the train was slowly pumped dry. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/cp-responds-to-calgary-mayor-s-anger-over-rail-bridge-failure-1.1302523 CP responds to Calgary mayor's anger over rail bridge failure CBC News June 27, 2013 June 28, 2013 June 28, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130628002927/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2013/06/27/calgary-flood-train-derailment-bonnybrook-bridge.html live High River thumb|300px|right|Damaged rail tracks in High River thumb|Abandoned homes - due to 2013 flood - in High River, Alberta (1600 Macleod Trail) - slated to be moved. South west of Calgary, the town of High River was evacuated after flooding of the Highwood River caused water to rise over the top of vehicles in the town's main streets and necessitated the rescue of over 150 people from the rooftops of their homes.Massinon Stephanie Fraser David https://calgaryherald.com/news/State+emergency+declared+High+River+amid+flood+warnings/8553169/story.html More than 150 rescued from rooftops in High River Calgary Herald June 21, 2013 June 21, 2013 June 23, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130623210433/http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/State+emergency+declared+High+River+amid+flood+warnings/8553169/story.html live 350 Canadian Forces personnel and 80 Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers were dispatched to assist with rescue efforts.http://globalnews.ca/news/660842/canadian-forces-says-31-people-pulled-from-rooftops-in-southern-alberta/ Canadian Forces says 31 people pulled from rooftops in southern Alberta Global News June 21, 2013 June 21, 2013 June 24, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130624015335/http://globalnews.ca/news/660842/canadian-forces-says-31-people-pulled-from-rooftops-in-southern-alberta/ live https://edmontonjournal.com/news/Edmonton+soldiers+police+assisting+with+flood+relief/8561946/story.html Edmonton soldiers, police assisting with flood relief Edmonton Journal June 21, 2013 June 21, 2013 June 25, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130625231009/http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Edmonton+soldiers+police+assisting+with+flood+relief/8561946/story.html live Members of the Alberta Sheriffs Branch were also involved in this effort. All 13,000 residents of High River were ordered to evacuate on June 20, and the community was largely abandoned within three days as the town suffered what local officials called "unprecedented" damage.Gignac Tamara Mandatory evacuation remains for High River Calgary Herald June 24, 2013 A15 Among internationally recognized sites flooded in High River was the "Maggie's Diner" standing set for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) series Heartland. http://www.cbc.ca/live/flooding-in-the-heartland-cast-sends-update-from-southern-alberta.html Flooding in the Heartland; Cast Sends Update from Southern Alberta Collins, Leah June 21, 2013 CBC News June 24, 2013 July 19, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130719070245/http://www.cbc.ca/live/flooding-in-the-heartland-cast-sends-update-from-southern-alberta.html live During the state of emergency in High River, the RCMP entered numerous homes in the area and seized hundreds of firearms, along with magazines and ammunition. Although the RCMP claimed that it only seized firearms that were in plain view, many residents have complained that their firearms were well hidden, and that the RCMP caused significant damage inside homes while searching for firearms. There are further complaints that RCMP members subjected homes to second or even third searches in their quest for firearms in plain view.Young Dennis High River, Alberta — The Cover-up Continues Canada Free Press May 24, 2014 http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/63295 May 24, 2014 May 25, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140525201337/http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/63295 live The Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP concluded that the RCMP had exceeded its authority by seizing firearms that were properly secured or not in plain view, by not keeping proper records of the damage caused when they broke into homes, and by failing to report the seizure of firearms to a justice of the peace. The report concluded that, although they were not legally required to do so, communicating adequately with the public during the crisis would have prevented much confusion among partners and anger among residents.Chair-Initiated Complaint and Public Interest Investigation into the RCMP's Response to the 2013 Flood in High River, Alberta Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP February 12, 2015 https://www.crcc-ccetp.gc.ca/en/chair-initiated-complaint-and-public-interest-investigation-rcmps-response-2013-flood-high-river February 12, 2015 February 12, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150212200731/https://www.crcc-ccetp.gc.ca/en/chair-initiated-complaint-and-public-interest-investigation-rcmps-response-2013-flood-high-river live While residents of other communities were returning and beginning their cleanup, High River remained off limits a week after the flooding first hit. Residents grew increasingly frustrated at what they perceived as a lack of communication from local officials, particularly the lack of a timeline to return.Varcoe Chris https://calgaryherald.com/news/alberta/want+people+getting+infected+with+diseased+water+infected/8583880/story.html 'We don't want people getting infected with ... diseased water and infected water,': Redford Calgary Herald June 26, 2013 June 26, 2013 June 30, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130630154310/http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/alberta/want+people+getting+infected+with+diseased+water+infected/8583880/story.html live Officials argued the town remained unsafe; some residences remained accessible only to divers, while E. coli had been discovered in the water.https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/article/residents-of-flood-ravaged-alberta-community-wait-to-return-home/ Residents of flood-ravaged Alberta community wait to return home CTV News June 26, 2013 June 26, 2013 June 26, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130626222153/http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/residents-of-flood-ravaged-alberta-community-wait-to-return-home-1.1342233 live The neighbourhood of Beechwood estates, with many luxury homes worth over a million dollars, was among those hard hit by the flood. The Province of Alberta decided to purchase 94 homes in designated floodways (including the 32 in Beechwood), demolish most of them and return the area to its natural state as a floodplain. Twenty-six of the houses were auctioned off for relocation.https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/high-river-auction-consisting-of-26-homes-ends High River auction consisting of 26 homes ends Calgary Herald February 17, 2017 August 8, 2017 June 23, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170623060641/http://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/high-river-auction-consisting-of-26-homes-ends live https://globalnews.ca/news/3448924/beachwood-estates-seph-lawless/ How an Alberta neighbourhood of $1M homes became the 'creepiest in the world' Global News May 16, 2017 June 23, 2024 May 21, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170521081218/https://globalnews.ca/news/3448924/beachwood-estates-seph-lawless/ live Southern Alberta thumb|Bassano Dam on June 23, 2013 thumb|Bassano Dam on Dec 8, 2016 for comparison, during construction of the new emergency spillway The mountain towns of Banff and Canmore, west of Calgary, were cut off from neighbouring communities after flooding and mudslides forced the closure of the Trans-Canada Highway.July 2013Gerson Jen https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/floods-wash-away-roads-in-canmore-close-trans-canada-highway-and-trigger-emergencies-across-southern-alberta Heavy rains in southern Alberta force mandatory evacuations in areas of Calgary and surroundings National Post June 21, 2013 June 21, 2013 October 6, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211006123959/https://nationalpost.com/category/news/ live Several homes were swept away in Canmore by the rise of Cougar Creek.July 2013Stechyson Natalie Foubert Tanya Homes collapse into raging Canmore creek Calgary Herald June 21, 2013 A4 In addition to Calgary, High River and Canmore, nine other municipalities, including the City of Lethbridge; the towns of Black Diamond, Cochrane, Sundre and Turner Valley; the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass; Rocky View County; and the municipal districts of Bighorn No. 8, Pincher Creek No. 9 and Foothills No. 31, had declared states of emergency on June 20 due to flooding and some communities had evacuated residents.Henton Darcy https://calgaryherald.com/dozen+Alberta+communities+various+states+emergency+flooding/8555510/story.html#ixzz2WtQyeREc One dozen Alberta communities in various states of emergency due to flooding Calgary Herald June 21, 2013 June 21, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130624042826/http://www.calgaryherald.com/dozen+Alberta+communities+various+states+emergency+flooding/8555510/story.html#ixzz2WtQyeREc June 24, 2013 dead Additionally, the City of Red Deer declared a state of emergency over the potential of flooding ahead of a planned release of water from the Dickson Dam into the Red Deer River.http://www.pinchercreekecho.com/2013/06/20/state-of-emergency-declared-in-crowsnest-pass State of Emergency declared in Crowsnest Pass Pincher Creek Echo June 20, 2013 November 30, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131204024055/http://www.pinchercreekecho.com/2013/06/20/state-of-emergency-declared-in-crowsnest-pass December 4, 2013 dead https://edmontonjournal.com/news/Local+state+emergency+issued+Deer/8556830/story.html Local state of emergency issued for Red Deer Edmonton Journal June 20, 2013 June 20, 2013 June 22, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130622234005/http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Local+state+emergency+issued+Deer/8556830/story.html live Another dozen communities have declared a state of emergency on June 21, including several First Nation reserves; the Siksika First Nation, east of Calgary evacuated 1,000 residents. The city of Medicine Hat, on the South Saskatchewan River downstream from the confluence of the Bow and Oldman rivers was also hit with significant flooding.http://medicinehat.ca/index.aspx?page=1447 Medicine Hat Flood Potential 2013: Current News & Events City of Medicine Hat June 21, 2013 June 21, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131021204614/http://www.medicinehat.ca/index.aspx?page=1447 October 21, 2013 mdy-all The city evacuated 10,000 residents ahead of the flooding, and facilities including the Medicine Hat Arena had begun to flood late Sunday evening, June 23.Stephenson Amanda https://calgaryherald.com/news/alberta/Medicine+city+prepares+divided+flood/8567010/story.html Floodwaters expected to cleave Medicine Hat Calgary Herald June 23, 2013 June 23, 2013 June 25, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130625004524/http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/alberta/Medicine+city+prepares+divided+flood/8567010/story.html live The South Saskatchewan River peaked at 5,460m3/s, which was below earlier predictions of 6,000m3/s,https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/medicine-hat-floodwaters-starting-to-recede-1.1311464 Medicine Hat floodwaters starting to recede Canadian Broadcasting Corporation June 24, 2013 June 24, 2013 June 24, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130624224133/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2013/06/24/canada-alberta-flood-medicine-hat-river.html live but exceeded the highest recorded rate of 5,100m3/s in 1995.https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/medicine-hat-braces-for-disaster-after-calgary-floods-1.1376193 Medicine Hat fears rising river after Calgary floods Canadian Broadcasting Corporation June 23, 2013 June 23, 2013 June 23, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130623214953/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2013/06/23/alberta-floods-sunday.html live Saskatchewan and Manitoba Officials in the neighbouring provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba were bracing for potential flooding along the South Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan rivers, into which many of the affected rivers in Alberta drain.https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-issues-flood-warning-for-the-pas-1.1369985 Manitoba issues flood warning for The Pas Canadian Broadcasting Corporation June 22, 2013 June 22, 2013 June 22, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130622221655/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/story/2013/06/21/mb-flood-warning-thepas-saskatchewan-river.html live The South Saskatchewan River reached record levels through Saskatoon, but the city did not experience significant flooding. 2,200 people were evacuated from the Cumberland House area in eastern Saskatchewan.French Janet https://thestarphoenix.com/news/Flooding+spreads+Sask/8579258/story.html Flooding spreads in Sask. Saskatoon Star-Phoenix June 26, 2013 June 26, 2013 December 2021 InternetArchiveBot yes In Manitoba, flood warnings were issued for The Pas. Fatalities Four people are confirmed to have died as direct result of the flooding. Three people drowned in the Highwood River near High River,July 2013https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/rcmp-confirm-three-dead-in-alberta-floods-that-forced-100000-to-evacuate RCMP confirm three dead in Alberta floods that forced 100,000 to evacuate National Post June 22, 2013 June 26, 2013 October 6, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211006123959/https://nationalpost.com/category/news/ live while an elderly woman drowned in her ground-floor apartment in Calgary's Mission neighbourhood.July 2013 Additionally, Okotoks resident Robert David Nelson was killed in an ATV rollover while checking a neighbour's home for flood damage.https://www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/article/good-samaritan-killed-in-atv-crash-while-attempting-to-check-flood-damage-to-neighbours-home/ Good Samaritan killed in ATV crash while attempting to check flood damage to neighbour's home CTV News White, Ryan June 23, 2013 June 24, 2013 December 12, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181212062635/https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/good-samaritan-killed-in-atv-crash-while-attempting-to-check-flood-damage-to-neighbour-s-home-1.1338585 live Cleanup and recovery thumb|right|Flooding of Scotiabank Saddledome was extensive, however the Calgary Flames were able to repair the arena in time for the start of the 2013–14 NHL season. Estimated costs On June 24, 2013, although total damage caused by the flooding remained unknown, Alberta Premier Alison Redford, predicted it would surpass the $700 million caused by the Slave Lake fire, with much of the cost likely to be uninsurable.Weismiller Bryan Premier says flooding worse than Slave Lake fire Calgary Herald June 24, 2013 A2 In a report issued on June 24, 2013, Tom MacKinnon, BMO Capital Markets insurance analyst, suggested an early estimate of between $3 billion and $5 billion of total damages to "homes, businesses, vehicles and other private property." That would be "20 to 30 times" the amount of damage caused by southern Alberta's 2005 major flood, and the second costliest natural disaster in Canadian history.http://www2.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/business/story.html?id=b089dd83-4d5a-401e-bbb9-2a10c51593e2 Alberta flood tab could run as high as $5B: Too early for insurer of 278 municipalities to estimate costs Gary Lamphier Edmonton Journal June 25, 2013 June 25, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131019050304/http://www2.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/business/story.html?id=b089dd83-4d5a-401e-bbb9-2a10c51593e2 October 19, 2013 The Province of Alberta estimated in August that the cost of repairing the damage would exceed $5 billion.Flood cost forecast to top $5 billion Calgary Herald August 20, 2013 A3 The Insurance Bureau of Canada stated in September that insurable losses had exceeded $1.7 billion, making it the costliest disaster in Canadian history in terms of insured damages (and without accounting for inflation), surpassing the $1.6 billion cost of the North American Ice Storm of 1998. The bureau called the cost "staggering", and said the figure continued to rise.Toneguzzi Mario https://calgaryherald.com/news/Alberta+June+floods+costliest+insured+natural+disaster+Canadian+history/8946548/story.html Alberta June floods costliest insured natural disaster in Canadian history Calgary Herald September 23, 2013 October 10, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131119101000/http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Alberta+June+floods+costliest+insured+natural+disaster+Canadian+history/8946548/story.html November 19, 2013 dead mdy-all The Albertan government granted the Siksika nation $93M to rebuild their communities; $10M of this grant would be used to train and upgrade the vocational skills needed to perform construction repairs.Gandia, Renato. 'Province to pay $93M to repair Siksika' https://web.archive.org/web/20131212130520/http://www.calgarysun.com/2013/11/06/province-to-pay-93-million-to-repair-siksika December 12, 2013 . December 6, 2013. Calgary Sun. Retrieved December 6, 2013 Municipal level Alberta's Minister of Municipal Affairs, Doug Griffiths, announced on June 21, 2013, that a task force that represents numerous government agencies and which earned praise for its coordination of recovery efforts following the 2011 Slave Lake wildfire would be reconvened.O'Donnell Sarah Task force to spearhead recovery https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald-task-force-to-spearhead-r/162615632/ Calgary Herald June 22, 2013 A5 January 9, 2025 John McGowan, CEO of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) described how AMSC is applying what they learned from the $700-million clean-up process following the Slave Lake fire in 2011 in their response to the flood. McGowan explained how the AUMA's subsidiary Alberta Municipal Services Corporation (AMSC) will provide a wide variety of services which include general insurance to the approximately 278 cities, towns and villages in Alberta affected by the flood. Damaged public buildings, vehicles and key public infrastructure, including subsidiary damage such as, structural damage to bridges or tunnels, need to be repaired or replaced in the "biggest cleanup in provincial history". "Neighbours, strangers, friends, and friends-of-friends-of-friends" helped those whose homes were damaged in Calgary's flood. Calgary's first official call, early on the morning of June 24, for 600 volunteers resulted in an estimated 2,500 people arriving ready to work. Calgary Emergency Management Agency director Bruce Burrell said that the City of Calgary hired contractors on larger infrastructure repairs but volunteers were needed.Jamie Komarnicki June 25, 2013 June 25, 2013 https://edmontonjournal.com/news/calgary/Support+from+volunteers+awes+flood+victims/8573351/story.html Support from volunteers awes flood victims Calgary Herald January 24, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150124082923/http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/calgary/Support+from+volunteers+awes+flood+victims/8573351/story.html live Provincial level Upon touring the affected areas, Alberta Premier Alison Redford who represents the Calgary-Elbow riding, promised provincial assistance in recovery efforts. The Alberta Treasury board met early on June 24 to approve a preliminary $1 billion emergency fund for the disaster recovery program, covering immediate clean-up and repair costs. Losses to homeowners and municipalities caused by overland flooding, not covered by regular insurance, will be covered by the province. While making the funding announcement Premier Redford cautioned that it could take up to ten years to fully recover from the disaster.https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-flood-recovery-could-take-10-years-says-premier-1.1303829 Alberta flood recovery could take 10 years, $1B, says premier Canadian Broadcasting Corporation June 24, 2013 June 24, 2013 June 24, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130624223652/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2013/06/24/calgary-flooding-downtown-water-nenshi-status.html live http://globalnews.ca/news/668198/alberta-government-approves-1-billion-in-emergency-funding-for-flood-recovery Alberta government approves $1 billion in emergency funding for flood recovery Emily Mertz Global News June 24, 2013 June 25, 2013 June 26, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130626012726/http://globalnews.ca/news/668198/alberta-government-approves-1-billion-in-emergency-funding-for-flood-recovery/ live Federal level Prince William and his wife sent on June 24, via the Canadian Secretary to the Queen, a message of support, expressing their "best wishes to the Lieutenant Governor and Premier of Alberta and to the brave emergency services and all those volunteering to help their neighbours during this ongoing period of intense efforts."https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/prince-william-sends-message-of-support-to-alberta-flood-victims/article12784135/ Wingrove Josh Prince William sends message of support to Alberta flood victims June 24, 2013 The Globe and Mail July 3, 2013 June 29, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130629184323/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/prince-william-sends-message-of-support-to-alberta-flood-victims/article12784135/ live His father, then Prince Charles also, following the destruction of Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, on July 8, issued a statement mentioning both that disaster and the Alberta floods, saying "this has been a most testing time for Canadians" and praising the "extraordinary efforts which have led to the Calgary Stampede being opened on time" as demonstration that "it is only too clear how courageous and resourceful Canadians are, and we have nothing but the greatest admiration for such determination and resilience in the face of terrible adversity."http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=15223&lan=eng Office of the Governor General of Canada Message from Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall July 9, 2013 Queen's Printer for Canada July 10, 2013 August 26, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130826203407/http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=15223&lan=eng live Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who also represents the Calgary Southwest riding, toured the flooded area and promised federal assistance in recovery efforts.Flood disaster scraps plans for balanced budget: Rebuilding price tag may reach $5 billion James Wood Chris Varcoe Calgary Herald June 25, 2013 June 25, 2013 https://calgaryherald.com/news/Flood+disaster+scraps+plans+balanced+budget/8573756/story.html#ixzz2XFlxZ8L9 March 21, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140321024536/http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Flood+disaster+scraps+plans+balanced+budget/8573756/story.html#ixzz2XFlxZ8L9 live Harper, Redford and Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi took a helicopter tour of flood-damaged areas on the afternoon of June 21, and discussed the trilateral co-operation to the flood response.Harper joins Redford, Nenshi to survey Alberta flooding https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/harper-joins-redford-nenshi-to-survey-alberta-flooding-1.1301237 CBC News June 21, 2013 June 25, 2013 June 25, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130625001826/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/06/21/pol-cp-harper-redford-calgary-alberta-flooding.html live It was announced in 2013 that $2 billion was earmarked from the government's Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements for the province and that the government was seeking a $689-million increase in funding for the program from parliament.Thompson Elizabeth Alberta to get $2B in federal flood clean up relief, supplementary estimates reveal http://www.ipolitics.ca/2013/11/07/alberta-to-get-2-billion-in-federal-flood-clean-up-relief/ February 9, 2014 iPolitics November 7, 2013 February 21, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140221074831/http://www.ipolitics.ca/2013/11/07/alberta-to-get-2-billion-in-federal-flood-clean-up-relief/ live First Nations thumb|250px|right|Washed out bridge that spanned the Bow River within the Siksika Nation, photo taken from the blocked and guarded side of the bridge accessible only to Samaritan Purse volunteers (June 9, 2013) A state of emergency for Siksika First Nation, east of Calgary, was declared in the evening of June 20 with approximately one thousand people evacuated from their homes. By June 23, with 200 homes still underwater, Chief Fred Rabbitcarrier told CTV that there was a "feeling of hopelessness."Ryan White CTV Calgary Severe flooding damage on the Siksika First Nation https://www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/article/severe-flooding-damage-on-the-siksika-first-nation/ June 25, 2013 June 27, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130627014059/http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/severe-flooding-damage-on-the-siksika-first-nation-1.1338229#ixzz2XG02KdVR live However, as news outlets began to cover the storyRelief pours into Siksika Nation https://www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/article/relief-pours-into-siksika-nation/ Colleen Schmidt CTV Calgary June 24, 2013 June 25, 2013 June 28, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130628235803/http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/relief-pours-into-siksika-nation-1.1340080 live and a Facebook account, set-up using a cellphone, helped coordinate relief efforts, donations and volunteers have responded to the community's call for help. Volunteering Soon after the flood started to recede, volunteer efforts began to help clean up the aftermath of the flood in Calgary.yychelps http://www.yychelps.ca/ June 30, 2013 June 27, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130627161303/http://www.yychelps.ca/ liveThousands of volunteers descend on Calgary's Mission district to help with flood cleanup http://www.calgarysun.com/2013/06/27/red-cross-says-recovery-efforts-from-flood-could-take-months-or-years June 29, 2013 Calgary Sun June 27, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20140201201815/http://www.calgarysun.com/2013/06/27/red-cross-says-recovery-efforts-from-flood-could-take-months-or-years February 1, 2014 dead Thousands of people descended on heavily hit areas to help neighbours and strangers clean up in the aftermath.Dormer Dave http://www.calgarysun.com/2013/06/29/thousands-of-volunteers-descend-on-calgarys-mission-district-to-help-with-flood-cleanup Thousands of volunteers descend on Calgary's Mission district to help with flood cleanup Calgary Sun June 29, 2013 October 21, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130823220514/http://www.calgarysun.com/2013/06/29/thousands-of-volunteers-descend-on-calgarys-mission-district-to-help-with-flood-cleanup August 23, 2013 dead Buses were organized to transport volunteers into High River, where the majority of residents were expected to require assistance.https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/volunteers-head-to-high-river-to-help-flood-victims-1.1339347 Volunteers head to High River to help flood victims Canadian Broadcasting Corporation July 3, 2013 August 21, 2013 August 21, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130821234003/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2013/07/03/calgary-high-river-volunteers-needed-w.html live Flood mitigation In November 2013, the Government of Alberta announced various projects to mitigate future flooding within Calgary and High River. The projects include construction of a channel to divert water around High River and a dry dam for the Elbow River west of Bragg Creek, which is upstream of Calgary. A grant was also announced for Calgary to investigate construction of a 5 km mi on tunnel to divert Elbow River flood waters away from neighbourhoods.https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/alberta-commences-planning-of-flood-mitigation-projects-in-wake-of-disaster/article15557412/ Kelly Cryderman Alberta begins planning mitigation projects in wake of disaster November 21, 2013 The Globe and Mail November 21, 2013 March 4, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304091359/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/alberta-commences-planning-of-flood-mitigation-projects-in-wake-of-disaster/article15557412/ live Gallery Flooding in Calgary February 2024 Flooding in Okotoks February 2024 Notes notes 30em See also 2011 Slave Lake wildfire 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire References 30em External links Cq2feWfj8Lc HAWCS Flying Over Calgary Flood (helicopter film by Calgary Police Service, 58:02) NASA Earth Observatory, ISERV observes flooding in Calgary The City of Calgary - Flood recovery Alberta floods Alberta Floods Category:Canmore, Alberta Category:Drumheller Category:Floods in Canada Category:High River Category:2013 in Calgary Category:History of Lethbridge Category:Medicine Hat Category:Natural disasters in Alberta Category:Okotoks Category:Red Deer, Alberta