CANMORE – Canmore’s regulatory application to build a structure in Cougar Creek to prevent an event like the 2013 flood from destroying homes and infrastructure continues to wind its way through the process, but it appears a public hearing will not be required.
The Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) is the government body tasked with reviewing the application by the Town of Canmore for a debris retention structure in the creek.
Canmore’s application was deemed complete in April and a month was provided for public feedback on the proposed project and its associated environmental impact assessment.
NRCB spokesperson Jean Olynyk said this week no submissions were received over that month-long period and the board has decided to conduct a written review, meaning no public hearings will be held.
“At this point, they may request more information,” Olynyk added. “They do their best to move forward in an expeditious way, but it takes time.
“This is a complex application and the board will review it, deliberate it and write a detailed decision on it.”
The 30-metre tall structure is specially designed to stop 650,000 cubic metres of rock and debris from travelling downstream during a major precipitation event while allowing water to flow through. Five years ago, 250 millimetres of rain fell in Canmore over a period of three days, well above the normal ranges for that time of year, and resulted in 90,000 cubic metres of sediment to be deposited on its alluvial fan.
The flood that resulted in the steep mountain creek, causing tens of millions of dollars in damage to homes and roads along it, was considered to be a one in 200 to 400 year event after Canmore conducted a detailed study of what occurred.
The budget for the debris dam is currently at $48 million, with all the money currently secured by the Town of Canmore, which is contributing $4 million to the project.
There is $18 million from the provinces Flood Recovery Erosion Control program, $4 million from Alberta Transportation, and $14.4 million from the federal government in the years since the flood. In 2017, the province announced another $10.3 million for the project.
The Town of Canmore has been working toward securing the services of a construction project management company, with a request for proposals being issued earlier this year. The firm is expected to help with tender preparation and procurement, construction administration and inspection.
Canadian Hydrotech Corporation, meanwhile, was selected to complete the final design of the structure.
