Calgary flood season starts with new protections for homes and businesses

A man cycles past floodwaters along Memorial Drive in Calgary on June 21, 2013. (The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh)

As Calgary enters flood season, it has another tool ready to keep rising water away from two communities.

The city is at its highest risk of river flooding between May 15 and July 15, when rain and the melting snow from the mountains raise water levels, and a new barrier is now ready to protect the communities of Sunnyside and Hillhurst.

Most of the 2.4-kilometre wall is permanent, but there are also adjustable sections to close gaps across roadways and pathways during flood response.

Calgary experienced major flooding in June 2013, when several days of heavy rain combined with a late, fast snowpack melt, causing the Bow and Elbow Rivers to overflow.

The 2013 flood displaced more than 100,000 people and caused an estimated $5 billion in damage to properties and infrastructure in Calgary and southern Alberta.

The start of Calgary’s flood season also has city staff monitoring river conditions, weather forecasts and the melting mountain snowpack 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The mountains received above-average snowfall this winter, but experts say it is not a significant cause of flood concern.

“Snowmelt typically accounts for less than 20 per cent of the river flow during a flood event,” said Sandy Davis, City of Calgary river engineering leader.

“High mountain snowpack is actually a good indicator that the Bow and Elbow Rivers will maintain strong flow this spring and summer, which is good news for Calgary’s water supply.”

The city has flood barriers and other infrastructure that can be used to counter fast-rising water should a large rain system hit the area.

Along with the new barrier along the north side of the Bow River, the Springbank Reservoir—completed in 2025—adds protection along the Elbow River.

The changes along Memorial Drive aren’t just for protection but also enjoyment.

As crews built the Sunnyside flood barrier, they also improved pathways and added seating and gathering spaces.

Work on the berm is complete, but construction on restoration and public spaces is scheduled to continue for a few months, which could impact the road and paths.

For Details: https://www.calgary.ca/planning/water/sunnyside-flood-barrier.html?redirect=/sunnysidefloodbarrier#happening

Calgarians can prepare for potential flooding with these tools and resources at calgary.ca/floodinfo.