Update: City of Calgary taskforce in Sunnyside today

Calgary - Approximately 120 residences were visited in the community of Sunnyside today by a City of Calgary taskforce. The taskforce, comprised of representatives from Water Services, Calgary Fire Department, Development & Building Approvals, ATCO Gas and ENMAX, was set up to assess the impact of the severe rainfall on the evening of July 5, 2013.

 

“There was a substantial amount of rain in a short period of time,” said Dan Limacher, Director Water Services, City of Calgary. “We wanted to make sure that the residents of Sunnyside were taken care of with regard to any additional impacts they may have experienced as a result of last night’s storm.”

 

While there was one residential building that was impacted by 4ft of pooling water, most of the single-family residences the taskforce visited experienced basement water seepage which was being addressed by sump pumps. The taskforce is actively assisting the property owners of the one residential building with gas and electricity restoration.

 

“All the Sunnyside residents that called 311 with pumping requests last night were considered a priority,” said Limacher. “However, we also wanted to reach out to others in the community to ensure they were taken care of as well.”

 

The taskforce canvassed the streets affected by last night’s rain, both knocking on doors and inspecting catch basins to ensure they were clear and free of debris. The 1.5 metre diameter pipe that drains water from city streets in that area is already at 50 per cent capacity due to the raised river levels. Clearing the catch basins of debris is crucial in ensuring as much water flow away from residences as possible.

 

In anticipation of the rain fall yesterday, a large gate on the storm piping system was set in a “controlled” position meaning it was partially opened to protect low lying communities from the back flow due to the high water levels in the Bow River. The Bow River continues to flow at twice the normal levels for this time of year.

 

With the adverse weather warning issued by Environment Canada for this evening, the storm gate will remain open this evening, with a lift station on site and ready for deployment, if necessary. A representative from The City will remain on scene throughout the evening to initiate any necessary response measures. 

 

Sunnyside residents who were not connected with today, but do require assistance from the City may call 3-1-1.

 

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