Mayor Naheed Nenshi took the time to thank every single one of the public sector employees and volunteers who helped the City of Calgary through last year's flooding during a ceremony at City Hall on Friday morning.
One year ago, the City of Calgary along with several other towns and communities were submerged in floodwater.
There were 32 local states of emergency in place and about 100,000 Albertans were affected in 30 communities.
It was also the costliest disaster in Alberta's history, with damages somewhere in the range of $6B.
Blackfoot elder Leonard Bastien opened the ceremony with a traditional blessing, followed by a video message from Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen thanking Albertans and emergency responders for their support during the flooding.
Bruce Burrell, director of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency, also spoke, saying that he has thousands of images of the flooding and has heard many stories of the devastation.
Premier Hancock said he is celebrating the character and spirit of the community during the flood. "Everyone pulled together last year, it's an honour and privilege."
"The example that was set by community last year by how to be a community was so important."
Hancock said that for some people the floods happened so long ago because lots has happened since then, but for others, it was just like yesterday.
"One thing I learned from the floods in Alberta is that the worst of situations can bring out the best in us."
Hancock also thanked everyone who did everything to rebuild and rescue those in trouble. He also thanked Mayor Nenshi and then Premier Redford for their leadership during the flooding.
Mayor Naheed Nenshi began his remarks by introducing the gathering to one-year-old Hannah, who was born on June 21. Her family was told to evacuate the day before and, like many Calgarians her family's home was badly damaged by the flooding.
He also praised the work of city crews rebuilding after the floodwaters receded. "On June 22, the LRT powered back up. In one and a half days, they completely rebuilt Macleod Trail. 80 percent of Calgary's road work back in about a week."
"The first lesson is just how blessed we are where goverment works."
Officials also unveiled a 2013 Flood Commemorative Display which includes submissions from the Kids’ Flood Art Call.
The event was capped off with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Calgary Stampede at Municipal Plaza. A number of local entertainers have also been invited to perform.
The event is accessible by C-Train (City Hall Station) and parking is available at City Hall Parkade Lot 36 (322 9 Avenue S.E.), the EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts (829 Macleod Trail S.E.) and the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre (727 1 Street S.E.).
The Town of High River is also holding its own commemoration ceremony for the flooding that struck the community hard.
It runs from 11 to 11:30 a.m. and will be followed by a barbeque at Rotary Park.
Officials say they will be acknowledging not only the disaster, but the community’s resilience and recovery.
Premier Hancock will also be in attendance.
