CANMORE – As part of Earth Day, Novel Ideas will be bringing the story of the 2013 flood to the Canmore Museum on April 21.
While the flood was only recently in our history, it fits in the mandate of the museum that we are living history every day.
“This was a significant event for the Canmore area and the Bow Valley,” said Lynn Kergan, programs coordinator for the Canmore Museum. “It speaks to the importance of climate change and how we are living through this period of time and how nature is demonstrating her power.”
Looking back at the flood, which is still fresh in the minds of many, will offer a safe place for residents to reflect on their own memories of that time.
“To discuss how we are all feeling about it,” Kergan said. “That flood was historic in size and impact and it took everyone off guard.”
Kergan said it is important as a community to address how we want to remember the flood, including how the community came together.
“When you look at how the community rallied together, it is a testament to the spirit and resiliency of the community.”
Author Derek Ryder and former Rocky Mountain Outlook editor Tanya Foubert will be speaking at the museum about the once-in-a-century event. Ryder will be speaking about his book, The Great Kananaskis Flood, which relates the story of the flood and how it devastated outdoor recreation and tourist destinations.
“The book reflects the flood and is part of our current history,” said Kergan.
Foubert will speak about her experience working for the Outlook during the flood.
“It is important to have different perspectives and we hope that the people who are attending will bring their perspectives and comments and impressions of what happened,” Kergan said.
The Novel Ideas series at the museum is typically held in the shoulder season months of February, March, October and November. It offers the chance to look at the history of the area through the books written about that history.
“It is important for us as a museum to ground our museum to the community and what has happened here,” said Kergan. “We want to celebrate that through the books we bring into the museum and these events are a way for the authors to talk about their inspiration and the significance of their work to the Bow Valley.”
Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Admission is free for museum members, and $5 for members of the public.
“There will be refreshments and treats for everyone who attends and there is a book signing at the end,” Kergan said. “Susan Morley will be entertaining from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. She is an amazing artist and we are excited to have her entertain the group.”
