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Calgary has completed the $73 million Sunnyside flood barrier, providing 2.4 kilometres of protection for Sunnyside and Hillhurst against a one-in-100-year flood.
The City of Calgary and the community of Sunnyside have marked the completion of a major flood mitigation project after two years of construction. The Sunnyside flood barrier provides about 2.4 kilometres of protection for the communities of Sunnyside and Hillhurst and is designed to withstand a one-in-100-year flood event, city officials say.
Calgary Flood Barrier Design and Cost
The project cost $73 million and combines permanent flood walls and sheet walls with temporary deployable systems. Michael Thompson, the City of Calgary acting chief operating officer of water utility, said the mix creates a consistent wall protecting the community.
The barrier forms part of Calgary broader flood mitigation efforts following the 2013 flood. The city says it has invested a total of $1.3 billion in flood protection since then, reducing about 70 per cent of its overall flood damage risk.
Thompson said the work means fewer Calgarians will have their homes exposed to flood damage, fewer businesses will face disruption and recovery costs, and fewer impacts will hit roads, pathways, utilities and other public infrastructure.
Remaining Flood Risk Along Bow River
The city says work is ongoing to address the remaining 30 per cent of flood risk, particularly in areas along the Bow River upstream of the Elbow River confluence.
Frank Frigo, the city manager of environmental management, said a lot of the remaining risk continues to accrue to communities along the Bow River and largely upstream of the confluence of the Elbow. He said investment in additional upstream storage is perhaps the largest single piece still needed.
Frigo pointed to other mitigation projects, including the Springbank off-stream reservoir, which he said has already demonstrated its value. He said heavy rainfall on June 28 marked the first use of the reservoir.
Alongside the expanded Glenmore Reservoir, the Springbank reservoir helped prevent damage along the Elbow River during an event comparable to the 2005 flood, according to Frigo.
Community Upgrades at Sunnyside Project
Beyond flood protection, the Sunnyside project includes upgrades aimed at improving community spaces. New pathways feature separated walking and cycling lanes, along with added green space, seating areas and space for community events.
Ward 7 Coun. Myke Atkinson said residents can walk the pathways, go down and sit by the river, and enjoy the space together.
Residents say the improvements have enhanced both safety and accessibility. Sunnyside resident Linda Craig said the work has done a beautiful job separating pedestrians from cyclists and adding more trees and green space.
Additional pathway work is expected to continue, with construction slated to wrap up in early October.
Sunnyside Flood Barrier Calgary Flood Mitigation Hillhurst Bow River Springbank Reservoir 2013 Flood
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