Newsstands across the country were dominated with headlines about the June flooding in Alberta. And here in Cochrane, it was no different. The Cochrane Eagle’s news story of the year for 2013 is: the Alberta flood.
Beginning during the night of June 19, the flood was in full effect by the morning of June 20. Cochrane — and the Eagle staff — were smack dab in the middle of the action.
The Hamlet of Bragg Creek was beneath the Elbow River and first responders worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of residents. Redwood Meadows was under mandatory evacuation, but many residents remained in the townsite to fight the swollen Elbow. The Ghost River proved too strong for the dyke and proceeded to wipe out two homes along the lower bench in Benchlands, rendering many others unlivable.
In Morley, the heavy rainfall washed out roads, waterlogged homes and caused sewer backups. An estimated 510 homes on the Stoney Nakoda First Nation were impacted by the 2013 flood.
In Cochrane the rainfall was heavy and constant, the water levels climbed, and the community came together to help each other and the neighbouring communities out. Evacuees were invited to head to Frank Wills Memorial Hall for a warm, dry place to stay.
As water levels decreased, Town of Cochrane staff were able to get a clear look at the damage. While a number of repairs and redesigns have already been started or finished, additional projects are slated for the upcoming year.
It is estimated that more than $1.7-million worth of claims will be submitted to the Alberta Government.
