Red Deer River’s recent move into a new channel could lead to devastating flooding problems if something isn’t done, warns Mountain View County Reeve Paddy Munro.
In June, the river changed channels about seven km southwest of Sundre. The new route, which the river hasn’t flowed in since 1952, would jeopardize the Sundre Airport, a county subdivision, the Coyote Creek Resort and other nearby low-lying areas if another flood like the one in 2005 occurs, he said. The Town of Sundre would also be at risk.
Low banks along the river’s new route — which is up to 1.6 km further south than its old route — only add to the danger, said Munro, who has taken many trips up the river in a jet boat to survey the situation.
“There is actually a start of a major flat flood plain, with virtually zero bank protection. That is truly the issue.”
The problem came to the attention of the county in late June when residents reported water across a pair of county roads near the river.
Fortunately, river levels were low and there was no flooding when it was checked out a few days later.
“On the July 1 weekend, the water was the height of the bank. It could easily have gone a metre higher. And at that point, it can actually go anywhere.”
Munro said council is looking at a number of berming options to prevent flooding, as prepared by consulting firm Matrix Solutions. The most expensive proposal at $2.5 million would see a 4.2-km berm with armouring, such as rip rap built along the river. Other options shown to council last week would involve shorter stretches of berming and would cost $582,000 or $333,400.
Which option chosen will depend on how much money the county gets from the province.
A request for $2.5 million has been made but no answer has been received yet. Rocky Mountain House MLA Ty Lund has been lobbying his colleagues on behalf of the municipality.
“He knows more about this river than anybody,” said Munro.
It is hoped a meeting can be set up with provincial officials, including Environment Minister Rob Renner, in the next week or so.
Wild Rose MP Blake Richards has also been approached for federal funding help.
No matter what the province’s answer, the municipality plans to take action, said Munro. “We are absolutely going to do something this fall.”
The province is well aware of the flooding dangers of the Red Deer River. In July, Renner announced $2.4 million in funding for a Town of Sundre project to build anti-erosion measures to protect that community from future flooding.
Munro believes Renner, who toured the river by air in the spring, is sympathetic to the municipality’s concerns. The province’s attitude is changing towards taking a more proactive approach to prevent disasters, he said.
pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com