Calgary, AB,
19
June
2014
|
15:09
America/Denver

The City of Calgary remembers the 2013 flood with commemoration ceremony and display unveiling

CALGARY – This morning The City of Calgary recognized and remembered the devastating flood of 2013 with a public commemoration at the Municipal Building.

The event reflected upon the impact of the flood on Calgarians and our city and honoured the community spirit and resiliency of our community. It included a blessing from Leonard Basteen, Elder from the Piikani Nation and the Blackfoot Confederation; unveiling of the 2013 Flood Commemorative Display; a video message from The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister; and remarks from The Honourable Dave Hancock, Premier of Alberta, His Worship Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary, and Bruce Burrell, Director of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency and Calgary Fire Chief.

“Last year's floods exemplified the compassion, resilience, and strength of Albertans as they rallied to help each other in a time of need, “said Premier Dave Hanock. “There are countless stories of neighbours helping neighbours, first responders risking their lives to bring people to safety and thousands of volunteers helping with the clean-up. Albertans demonstrated the true strength of this province: the heart of its people.”

Mayor Nenshi unveiled a 2013 Flood Commemorative Display, which included a plaque and pair of bronzed boots that are permanently housed in the Municipal Building’s Atrium for public viewing. The unveiling also included the Children’s Flood Art Display, which is showcased in various locations around the city for one month, including the Wall of Windows at City Hall Station, the EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts, the Municipal Building’s Atrium and available online at Calgary.ca/floodart.

“Our city and citizens experienced a devastating flood that we will never forget, “said Mayor Nenshi. “We come together today to remember how the flood affected us in both tangible and intangible ways. But, more important, we recall the incredible resilience and community spirit shown by all Calgarians this time last year. With the help of the entire community and all orders of government, we were, and continue to be, stronger than ever.”

Click here to view the video message from Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and on The City’s Flickr account for photos of the ceremony and all Kids’ Art Call Out submissions.

Tomorrow is Neighbour Day, an opportunity for Calgarians to celebrate community spirit. Visit The City of Calgary’s Neighbour Day Facebook event page to view events happening around Calgary and visit Calgary.ca/neighbourday for more information on what you can do. Calgarians are encouraged to share pictures on Twitter or Instagram using #yycNeighbourDay or on The City’s Facebook event page.

For more information on flood recovery, flood preparation and a look back at 2013, visit calgary.ca/floodinfo

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