This release was issued under a previous government.
YWCA of Calgary facing rising flood waters
The 2013 floods affected more than 100,000 Albertans in over 30 communities. A recently implemented Alberta government program means municipalities can apply for funding for equipment and supplies to ensure they are better prepared for a future flood.
“It is our responsibility as a province to ensure we do everything we can to prepare for future floods. These grants will help equip those hit hardest by the flooding in 2013 with the tools and resources needed to protect their communities.”
Approximately $25 million has already been provided to more than 20 communities across Alberta for supplies including deployable flood barrier equipment, rescue boats, water filtration systems, generators, pumps and sandbagging equipment.
The City of Medicine Hat has been a model community for flood preparedness and resiliency. Using provincial grants, the City purchased a temporary dam system called a “Muscle Wall.” The four-kilometer system of hard plastic sections, some up to eight feet high, can be erected quickly to barricade against flood waters.
“We have significantly increased the level of protection we are able to provide for our community. The muscle wall and other tools purchased under the provincial funding program were successfully used during this June’s flood event.”
The provincial government will continue working with communities on their flood readiness applications. Communities impacted by the 2013 Southern Alberta Floods can apply for a grant through the Alberta Emergency Management Agency.
Under the Building Alberta Plan, our government is investing in families and communities, living within our means, and opening new markets for Alberta's resources to ensure we're able to fund the services Albertans told us matter most to them. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.