Another community affected by the flooding in June 2013 is nearly finished repairing roads, parks and pathways all damaged by floodwaters.
Officials in Okotoks say they’ve completed a number of remediation projects so far, including:
- Pathway east of the library
- Lion’s Campground
- Rich’s Campground (Sheep River Park)
- Bank erosion at various areas including east of library, Woodhaven siphon crossing, 32 Street guide bank, and west well field
- Well #1 (a second well is expected to be drilled to increase capacity to pre-flood capacity; Alberta Enviroment needs to approve the plan
- Water Treatment Plant armouring
The town says that the only project currently in progress is the construction of some storm sewer outfall structures.
Crews will also be commencing with some more remediation projects as soon as the spring thaw is over, including:
- Pathway reconstruction at Heritage and Sheep River Park
- Cimarron pedestrian bridge
- Sheep River Park restoration of river bank, repair and/or replacement of park facilities such as cookhouse, picnic tables, benches, garbage receptacles, outdoor fitness equipment
The cost of all of Okotoks’ remediation projects is estimated at $4M.
Officials also say that the town has applied for a number of mitigation programs, including:
- Gravel Bar mining downstream of Laurie Boyd pedestrian bridge (completed)
- Lineham Bank Stabilization cleanup and landscaping
- CPR Track Protection (in progress)
- Water Treatment Plant vulnerability reduction measures (to be completed after the spring thaw)
The approximate cost of these projects is at about $4M.
The community has also published a Flood Preparedness Handbook for residents. It is available, along with other critical flood information, on the town’s website at www.okotoks.ca.
