No doubt at times in the last week or so, June rains had area residents recalling those dark days of 2013, when precipitation seemed immeasurable and mountain creek floodwaters full of debris blasted their way to the Bow River.
It’s been five years, but for many, that flood proved to be a very strong, though not in a positive way, memory of life in the valley. Those dark days of destruction, fortunately, were balanced by the very positive interactions of valley residents who rose to the occasion and chipped in to help their neighbours through a devastating time.
As the waters rose, neighbour helped neighbour, emergency services personnel in all sectors were called upon and everywhere, it seemed, people hunkered down and read, watched, or listened to news of the disaster as it flowed eastward to Calgary, High River and points in between.
As Canmore was cut off due to destruction of the Trans-Canada, many residents, it’s safe to say, felt the need to reach out, take in neighbours whose homes were inundated and seek out ways to assist. In Exshaw, many found themselves knee deep or more as they struggled against the water, the mud, the debris that was damaging homes, many beyond repair.
After the waters receded, terms like ‘one in 100 hundred year’ flood seemed to have little meaning in context with the most destructive flood event in Canadian history at the time. Even as water levels went down, it was pointed out that a similar event could happen at any time, as being the next one in a hundred.
On Saturday (June 23), as excavators again appeared in Cougar Creek in response to heavy rain, the issue of ongoing flood mitigation was no doubt top of mind for many.
While millions have already been spent in this area, the multi-million dollar debris structure slated for Cougar Creek has yet to make an appearance. Since 2013, with Cougar Creek generally appearing to be its normally passive self – looking more like a dry creekbed in Arizona than a raging torrent – many have wondered if $48 million for a debris structure is money well spent.
We would guess, though, that the sight of muddy water and excavators at work in the creek made it seem worthwhile once again. With homes still bordering Cougar Creek, those muddy waters should remind everyone that the necessity of mitigation remains.
Like insurance, one hopes to never need it, but when it’s needed, it’s very nice to have. The same can be said for the debris structure. Once in place, even at a high cost, it may never be called upon to protect homes and lives in Canmore.
On the other hand . . .
Studies have shown that, despite its high cost, a debris structure is needed; without it, what would the alternatives be? Hope for the best while awaiting another flood? Displace those living along Cougar Creek by purchasing all of the properties and then find new homes for them?
No other scenario seems workable, so Canmore residents will have to sit tight for the time being until the structure is built upstream in Cougar Creek. Hopefully that happens sooner, rather than later.
In the meantime, it’s likely best for area residents to reflect on how the flood brought everyone together in their time of need. That’s something we should all be proud of.
