Calgary, AB,
27
June
2013
|
08:11
America/Denver

Update on State of Local Emergency

The City of Calgary remains in a state of local emergency due to significant flooding.
 
Call 311 for flood-related calls only. Call 911 in case of emergency.
 
CP Rail Incident:
A train is currently parked on Bonnybrook Bridge. The bridge is situated above the Bow River and appears to be compromised. Due to the fatigued bridge the following road closures are in affect:
  • Deerfoot Trail northbound at Glenmore
  • Deerfoot Trail southbound at 17 Avenue 
  • Ogden Road at 17 St
  • Ogden Road at 50 Ave
  • Peigan at Barlow
  • Barlow Trail at 61 Ave
  • Highfield Crescent at 13 St S.E.
  • Ogden Road at Millican Rd
The City of Calgary has determined the stability of their pedestrian and traffic bridges throughout the flood and each bridge has been checked three times and stability has been confirmed.
 
Flow rates:
  • Glenmore dam is currently at 60 CMS, which is normal for this time of year
  • Bearspaw dam is flowing at 650 CMS and expected to hold for 24 hours
  • The confluence where the Bow and Elbow rivers meet is at 700 CMS, which is about three times normal – and double what we had in 2005
 
Re-energizing the core: 
Progress has been made on the power restoration timeline for Beltline, Cliff Bungalow, Mission and Victoria Park. Following inspections by The City, Enmax has restored power to most buildings in the south portion of the affected area of the downtown core, meaning that an additional 5,600 Enmax customers are one step closer to turning the lights on.
 
The area that has been reenergized is between the railroad tracks and 20th Ave. S.W. (North of 20 Ave, west of 7 Ave S.W. to 6St S.E.). The area south of 20Ave S.E. has proved more challenging due to the proximity to the Bow River and the flood damage in the buildings. These conditions have hindered the safe return of power to this area.
 
As of 8 a.m. this morning, crews will continue to work section by section to reenergize the remaining building. This work is expected to be completed by the end of day.
 
Reenergizing the more than 1000 buildings in this area now allows for inspection and remediation. These buildings are not yet to open to public.
Once this area has been completed we will have energized 6 out of 7 acres (or 91 per cent) of the downtown core.
 
Overall Power Update:
If you live in an area where power had been restored but you do not have power, you must schedule an inspection. You can do this by:
  1. Contact 311 or use the 311 app
  2. Visit your community reception centre
  3. Visit calgary.ca for the online service request
ENMAX will only restore power to buildings when it is safe to do so and appreciates the ongoing patience of those customers impacted. More information will be provided as soon as it is available.
ENMAX has also completely restored power to customers served by the overhead distribution system.
 
Roads:
All accessible roads in the Central Business District (approximately 755 lane kilometres) affected by the flood have been swept and re-swept including sidewalks.
The 4St S.E. underpass between 9 Ave and 10Ave remains covered in water and mud and will require a hydrovac cleaning prior to street cleaning.
 
Transit:
Calgary Transit is making great progress. Out of 158 bus routes, only 17 have minor detours and only one is closed.
C-train routes – out of 44 stations, only six are closed and one of those was a planned closure.
 
CPS Mission for Security and Patrol Deployment:
  • At this point in the post-flood recovery period, our objective is to provide safety through security, support, recovery and re-integration
  • To accomplish this mission, CPS is taking a balanced, measured and appropriate approach, with the top priority being to provide security for both citizens and properties located in the areas affected by this recent disaster. CPS is actively patrolling areas that have been evacuated but have yet to be reoccupied
  • There has not been an increase in response to crime calls for police in the affected areas, compared to pre-flood levels
Parking Fees:
Beginning today, Thursday, June 27, payment is required for on-street and in Calgary Parking Authority surface lots and parkades. This is a step in resuming life as usual. This will also allow us to better manage traffic flow and vehicle volume in the downtown core and surrounding areas which is vital to ensure access for transit, flood relief vehicles and other traffic.
 
Vehicles in recovery zones:
It is vital to keep the streets clear for flood recovery work, especially in residential areas. Please limit local on-street parking during this time. We need to ensure access for vehicles like ambulances, fire trucks, waste collection vehicles and large pumper trucks in all Calgary neighbourhoods. 
 
Calgarians are reminded that:
  • City and Enmax crews require six metres (18ft) clearance on residential streets for pumper trucks, utility vehicles, emergency response and roving garbage truck access. 
  • Beginning today, The City will be using “courtesy towing” (no charge to the vehicle owner) to gain access to affected neighbourhoods to collect refuse, pump water and manage utilities where necessary. 
  • If your car is not where you left it, check around your neighbourhood. Contact the Calgary Parking Authority dispatch line at 403-537-7100, select option #2
Proper Household Garbage Disposal:
On a temporary basis, all Calgary landfills will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. When you get to the landfill, declare that you are from a flooded area and your disposal will be free of charge. As well, large disposal bins are being placed in all affected communities. 

Large items that require disposal may be placed out front of your home for collection. With safety as our primary concern, if you move your fridge or freezer outside for disposal, the doors MUST be removed or secured closed. 
 
Additional sites have been added for overflow flood waste by building owners, occupants and contractor. These sites will accept the following materials in designated bins – spoiled food, garbage, flood damaged material, electronics and appliances.
The additional sites are located at:
  • Old Cecil Hotel Parking Lot – 3 St S.E. between 5and 4Ave S.E.
  • EllisDon Construction Site – 3 Ave and 5 Ave S.E.
Sanitary Service Reminder:
Important Sanitary Service Information for residents of portions of Bowness, Sunnyside & Elbow Park.
We are working hard to restore full sanitary service.  Your toilet may back up when you flush. This depends solely on system usage. If you have problems, call 3-1-1.
 
Please visit www.Calgary.ca for current information.
 
For media inquiries, please contact:  The City of Calgary Media Line , media.relations@calgary.ca, 403-828-2954
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