Local News

As rain fell on Canmore last Wednesday night (June 19) the full scope of what was about to happen to the community and its creeks was unimaginable for both residents and officials with the municipality.

If you’ve wondered what it’s like to weather the flood of the century in the backcountry, just ask Bruce Steiner.

Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development closed a section of Exshaw Creek mid-June over concerns of public safety after boulders crashed down from the Lafarge quarry’s eastern ridge in the winter.

Editor: Watching the events of these past few days has driven one thing home to me, which is that no matter what we may think or believe, the truth is we are just passing through this mighty landscape, just like every other creature in it.

Along with Exshaw, the hamlets of Lac Des Arcs, Dead Man’s Flats and Harvie Heights have seen the effects of the intense rainfall and flooding that occurred at the end of last week.

The Banff townsite escaped a regional flooding crisis relatively unscathed, despite the flows of the Bow River blowing away the previous record in the aftermath of a torrential downpour.

The community of Morley remains in crisis, as rainwater has washed out roads, waterlogged homes and backed up sewers on the Stoney Nakoda First Nation reserve.

Rob Alexander/MORLEY Donations are currently headed to Morley today (June 23) from Canmore, Cochrane and Calgary.

Banff is ‘through the worst of it’ according to mayor Karen Sorensen, as the town sifts through the aftermath of heavy rainfall that severed highways and flooded river banks in town.

The flood emergency in Canmore appears to be in a holding pattern and under control Friday evening (June 21) as crews continue to monitor the levels of the Bow River. Mayor John Borrowman said at 6 p.m.