Flood mitigation should be prioritized, say Calgarians

A group representing Calgarians whose homes were damaged in the floods two years agois trying to prod the provincial government into action on flood mitigation.

Something needs to bedone,and it needs to be done urgently.-CRCAGco-presidentBrenda Leeds Binder

Members of the Calgary River Communities Action Group (CRCAG)have started a postcard campaign to ask Premier RachelNotley to prioritize the projects after what they describe as two years ofengineers, architects, hydrologists and other experts studying how flooding can be prevented.

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"People forget, they want toforget, I want toforget," said CRCAG co-presidentTony Morris. "Unfortunately we can't because that's what's happened over the past 130 years, and we're not going to allow for that to happen."

Earlier in the day, CalgaryMayor Neheed Nenshi told CBC News that the new NDP government needs to make a decision on flood mitigation.

• Springbank reservoir: landowners critical of plan at open house

"These are very complex decisions that need to be made. But I will tell you that it was a lot of hurry up and wait. A lot of stop and go," he said.

Three levels ofmitigation projects are on the table.The first is re-enforcing riverbanks and building dikes and berms, which is work Nenshi says is mostly finished.

The second is projects like strengthening and heightening the Glenmore Dam.

The third isexpensivemitigation projects that are proposed in Springbank orMcLean Creek, as well as the Glenmorediversion tunnel.

Nenshi pushesfor Springbank dam

"Certainly the cost-benefit analysis that we have before us show that Springbank or McLean Creek are probably have a higher cost-benefit ratio than the tunnel does. But there are some challenges with McLean Creek grizzly bear habitat and so on, that may make it very, very difficult to build," said Nenshi.

He says if Springbank can go forward first, it should probably happen soon.He will meet with Premier Notley next week.

CRCAGis alsopushing fortheSpringbankreservoir project asthe best bet to prevent future floods along the Elbow River.

"Studies have been done," saidCRCAGco-presidentBrenda Leeds Binder. "The engineering design is underway and this project must be built and there is no excuse not to act now."

CBC did confirm with Notley's office that they have been contacted by the CRCAG and that they do plan to respond soon.

As for any future flood mitigation plans,the premier's office says they're reviewing projects and are not prepared to make any announcements yet.

"Our message here is that this is an issue that cannot be ignored any longer," said Leeds Binder. "Something needs to be done,and it needs to be done urgently."