Rebuilding Alberta: one year after the floods

“One year ago, our province was hit by the worst natural disaster in Canadian history. Flood waters devastated 30 communities, displacing thousands of Albertans. Homes, businesses, parks, highways, and schools were destroyed. Most devastatingly, one year ago, this flood claimed lives.

“This past year has shown the amazing spirit and character of Albertans. While the flood waters that surged through our province were unprecedented, and catastrophic, they were no match for the spirit in which Albertans responded.

“As I reflect back on the floods of June 2013, I think of the first responders, the volunteers, First Nations, the municipalities, public service members and everyday Albertans who reached out to help others in our time of need. I want to sincerely thank all those who have worked tirelessly, and sacrificed much, to lift this province up over the past 12 months.

“And in 365 days, we have recovered in a way that proves our resilient Alberta spirit can get us through anything. In the days, weeks and months following the disaster we mobilized quickly to provide support to individuals, municipalities, and First Nations to help them begin rebuilding. And the progress has been nothing short of remarkable. While temporary neighbourhoods were quickly established, many families are now back in their homes. Hundreds of kilometres of highways have been repaired or reopened, along with bridges, parks and trails. Damaged schools and health facilities are back up and running. 

“As we recognize our accomplishments I don’t want to lose sight of those who are still dealing with the impacts of this disaster. I also recognize the stress and emotion the one-year anniversary may bring to those who were affected. I want those people to know we stand beside them and we’re committed to assisting them as they continue to rebuild their lives. 

“We’re also taking steps to ensure we’re more prepared than ever in the event of another major flood. Just this week, several communities in Southern Alberta declared states of local emergency due to heavy rainfall and threats of overland flooding. It’s situations like these that remind us we always need to be prepared and ready. I’d like to thank Minister Greg Weadick, MLA Bridget Pastoor and all southern Albertan MLAs who have supported their communities over the past year and the past week to ensure residents are safe.

Back in October we passed legislation to limit development in floodways and offered those Albertans affected by the June 2013 floods who were currently living in flood plains the choice to relocate to higher ground. We’ve completed dozens of erosion control projects across the province and many more are underway. We’ve started to gather your input and moved forward on major infrastructure projects. Over the coming months and years, we’ll keep reaching out to you so that together, we can make our communities as safe and resilient as possible.

 “As we commemorate the year since floods devastated our communities, we stand together with affected municipalities to honour all those who have contributed to the progress in recovery. We stand together with the families, residents, and businesses who lost so much one year ago. And we will stand together as we continue building Alberta.”

Editor's note

Premier Dave Hancock will attend and speak at flood commemoration ceremonies in Calgary and High River on Friday June, 20 before travelling to Medicine Hat.

Calgary’s ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Atrium of the Calgary Municipal Building, 800 Macleod Trail SE.

High River’s ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m. at Rotary Park, 1 Street SW, in front of the Museum of the Highwood.

Medicine Hat: The Premier will join Medicine Hat Mayor Ted Clugston for a tour of flood mitigation sites.