Alberta: Funding Helps Municipalities with Flood Readiness

Help is available for communities affected by the 2013 floods in southern Alberta and Fort McMurray so they can replenish their flood-readiness supplies and purchase needed equipment to prepare for future floods.

The 2013 floods affected more than 100,000 Albertans in over 30 communities. A recently implemented Alberta government program means municipalities can apply for funding for equipment and supplies to ensure they are better prepared for a future flood. These grants will help equip those hit hardest by the flooding in 2013 with the tools and resources needed to protect their communities.

Approximately $25 million has already been provided to more than 20 communities across Alberta for supplies including deployable flood barrier equipment, rescue boats, water filtration systems, generators, pumps and sandbagging equipment.

The City of Medicine Hat has been a model community for flood preparedness and resiliency. Using provincial grants, the City purchased a temporary dam system called a "Muscle Wall." The four-kilometre system of hard plastic sections, some up to eight feet high, can be erected quickly to barricade against flood waters.

The provincial government will continue working with communities on their flood readiness applications. Communities impacted by the 2013 Southern Alberta Floods can apply for a grant through the Alberta Emergency Management Agency.

Canadian Water and Wastewater Association