The emergency situation in Canmore has not yet let up and with the rainfall is expected to continue overnight, rescue services are dealing with a constantly changing situation in the community.
The emergency situation in Canmore has not yet let up and with the rainfall is expected to continue overnight, rescue services are dealing with a constantly changing situation in the community.
Cougar Creek has cut off the Eagle Terrace subdivision and a significant portion of the town continues to deal with a mandatory evacuation order. Meanwhile many homes along the creek have significant damage as a result of the erosion from stormwater coming down the mountain in the creek.
Town of Canmore spokesperson Sally Caudill said all residents east of the creek are being bused out before the only access - a bridge over Cougar Creek along Elk Run Boulevard - also succumbs to the floodwaters.
"We are evacuating that entire area, including the industrial area - everyone should get out," Caudill said Thursday afternoon (June 21) "It is largely because what is happening over there is super unpredictable and that area has the potential to be completely cut off.
"The structure of Elk Run Boulevard is really questionable and if something happens, if we get more rain and that goes, that (neighbourhood) be a stranded location. It is much easier for us to support people from this side of the creek where we can resource a bunch of things, than if they are stranded and we can't get anything in there."
Water has been cut off to that side of town and Alberta Health issued a boil water advisory for all areas east of Cougar Creek and in the Elk Run industrial area.
The municipality is making plans to house those evacuated either in hotel rooms or at one of two evacuation centres: Elevation Place and Canmore Collegiate High School.
Emergency personal are also getting relief, said Caudill, with those who have been up since the early morning hours when the emergency began sent home to rest and a staffing plan for the emergency operation put into place.
The municipality has also issued a plea to residents to stay away from Cougar Creek due to the danger of the situation.
The Trans-Canada Highway and CP Rail line have been washed out by Cougar Creek. Carrot Creek, just inside the east gates of Banff National Park, is also washed out. The Three Sisters Parkway in Canmore has bee closed as well.
The local authorities continue to manage the emergency response efforts at this point, with provincial offers of aid on the table if needed.
Canmore is one of 12 communities in southern Alberta with a local state of emergency declared.
