After a weekend that saw the worst flood in Alberta history sweep through the southern part of the province like a tidal wave, Cochrane Mayor Truper McBride has announced the town’s state of emergency is over.
“Cochrane was fortunate,” McBride said during a press conference at the Cochrane RancheHouse June 24 of the minimal damage the town sustained.
As of June 23, the voluntary evacuation had been lifted for residents of Bow Meadows, Crawford Ranch, Riverview and West Terrace Point near the water plant in Cochrane.
Cochrane Fire Chief Mac deBeaudrap advised residents during a press conference at the RancheHouse June 22 to stay away from the water. At this time, there was no way of determining if the banks of the Bow River are eroding, and the area could be extremely dangerous.
Residents of Bragg Creek were permitted to return to their homes on June 22.
Fortis Alberta cut power in the Bragg Creek area June 20 for safety reasons, leaving the community in the dark. Power to the hamlet has since been re-activated.
Redwood Meadows worked to repair its berm the morning of June 22, as a section had been washed away overnight.
Clean up and repairs began in both Bragg Creek and Redwood Meadows.
Redwood Meadows has been plugging away diligently, said Pat Evans, administration manager for the Townsite of Redwood Meadows. She said volunteers are helping to clean out soggy basements, while a group is working to stabilize the berm.
Rocky View County (RVC) and the Town of Cochrane both issued a state of emergency due to increased flooding and rising water levels throughout the region over the past week.
Airdrie sent a fire crew to Cochrane June 20 to ensure there was fire protection in the community while local personnel were helping elsewhere. All Cochrane firefighters are safe and accounted for.
“I have never been prouder of our guys,” said deBeaudrap. “They’re putting heroic efforts in doing rescues in Bragg Creek.”
Morley also experienced flooding, with Cochrane RCMP on scene, Volker Stevin also assisting and now Canadian troops in the Stoney Nakoda community. The damage on the reserve was mainly limited to waterlogged homes, flooded roadways and sewer backup.
Alberta Emergency Alert issued an evacuation order for Morley June 20. As of June 27, the evacuation order was still in effect.
The Town of Cochrane continues to monitor high stream flows and is advising residents to be vigilant of water levels in their area.
Derek Clouthier and Kathryn McMackin, Great West Newspapers
