Building a flood diversion channel around High River to protect the community from future flooding is critical and the provincial government is listening.
However, residents need more details before they can feel safe.
A diversion was one of a list of proposed flood mitigation projects for the Highwood and Elbow rivers brought forward at a symposium in Calgary last week.
Other projects include a system of berms and dry ponds at the headwaters to limit runoff from heavy rain and snowfall; berms on the Sheep and Highwood rivers in the foothills; and a tunnel to take water from the Glenmore Reservoir to the Bow River in Calgary.
It’s estimated the final bill for the projects could ring in as high as $830 million.
The provincial government has not made a commitment at this point and many of the finer details, particularly what route a diversion channel would ultimately follow, have not been finalized.
It’s only been three-and-a-half months since the most destructive natural disaster in Alberta’s history.
The Province moved quickly since June’s flood unveiling flood relief programs with minimal details initially. It’s understandable the proposed flood projects aren’t much different.
The implications of a diversion channel around High River are significant — for residents, area landowners and Albertans alike.
For High River residents questioning their community’s future, a diversion could give them the certainty they are looking for.
Landowners, who could lose part of their property to the diversion canal, deserve to know what to expect.
Details on things like timelines, costs and process will come, but the Province cannot delay.
People who could be affected by future floods or potential flood mitigation projects want to know what their future holds.
