Contents
Overview
The hamlet of Bragg Creek is subject to regular flooding, with significant events recorded as early as 1915. In 2013, flooding caused widespread damage in the Bragg Creek area to municipal infrastructure, flood protection works, homes, property, and businesses along the Elbow River. The flooding had economic and social impacts in the community long after the waters receded and the physical damage repaired.
In recognition of this long-standing risk, the Federal Government and Government of Alberta has committed funding for the flood mitigation project to protect the community to a design level of 1:100 year event.
Latest News
In June 2020, the County awarded the construction tender to Wilco Southwest Contractors Inc. Substantial completion is expected by the end of 2021 followed by site clean up and deficiencies by the end of August 2022.
Wilco Southwest Contractors Inc. is planning to work in an expedited manner to provide full flood protection to the community. Due to the heavy construction of the project, area residents should expect disruptions and nuisances throughout the day. Wilco will mitigate as follows:
Noise:
- Work hours will be in accordance with the County Noise Control Bylaw – Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- No work will occur on Sundays, however, an exemption may be requested if high-risk tasks could not be completed within the periods allocated in the noise control bylaw.
Dust:
- A water truck will be on-site full-time to abate dust on gravel roads and the construction site.
- A road sweeper will be on-site full-time to keep paved roads clean of mud and gravel when tracked in by construction vehicles.
Traffic:
- Truck hauling weight will be in accordance with the County Road Bans.
- Trucks will have dedicated haul routes approved and monitored by the County. Please note that routes are subject to change.
In June and July 2019, The County obtained approval for construction from Alberta Environment and Parks under the Water Act and Public Lands Act, and authorization by Fisheries and Oceans Canada under the Fisheries Act.
The tender for construction closed in October 2019. The lowest bid exceeded the project budget of $32.8 million. In April 2020, the Government of Alberta contributed additional funds that will allow the project to proceed, with an updated budget of $42.2 million.
Aerial footage taken November 2020 shows current progress.
Project Timeline
Construction of the flood barrier structure has commenced on the east side of the Elbow River within Area E1, E2, and E3 shown on the phasing plan.
Outlined below is the anticipated schedule:
- East flood barrier structure
North and south of Balsam Bridge
December 2020
- West flood barrier structure
Bracken Road
December 2021
- West flood barrier structure
Private lands north of bridge
December 2021
- West barrier structure
Yoho Tinda
December 2021
Substantial completion is expected by the end of 2021 followed by site cleanup by the end of September 2022.
Background & Updates
Technical Information
Acknowledgement
Rocky View County would like to thank the Alberta and federal governments for sponsoring this project. The grants offered between the two levels of government total $42.2 M: provincial $36.4 M and federal $5.8 M.
The County is running several projects in Bragg Creek. If you are looking for more information, visit our Plans Under Review section.
Springbank Dam
For more information on the Springbank Dam, also known as SR1, visit the Alberta Government website. Alberta Transportation is responsible for the project development, regulatory approvals, and construction.