It was 10 years ago floods devastated southern Alberta, including the Bow Valley.
For everyone who lived in the region, there’s bound to be countless stories from each individual who went through the experience.
Though there are many dark moments as people lost possessions and property and the threat to life was very real, the act of perseverance and resolve as people came together stood the test of time.
While disaster wreaked havoc on communities, so too did the resilience and fortitude of residents in helping neighbours, friends, family and strangers.
When difficult situations arise, it’s ultimately the reactions of people that define a moment of remembrance.
From something as simple as bringing food, to temporarily housing a friend who was evacuated, to helping a family whose basement flooded, the brief period of disaster also brought out the best in people.
The majority of people abandoned egos, grudges and grievances and focused on the durability of each community. The focus was simple: ensure everyone got through the worst of it unscathed.
From Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis Country, Stoney Nakoda and the MD of Bighorn, the impact of the floods has left a mark on each community.
More than 1,000 people were rescued from backcountry areas in Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country, while hundreds more in urban settings were safely evacuated.
The floods led to five deaths in Alberta – though none in the valley – and estimated property damage of more than $5 billion.
It was believed recovery would take up to a decade, but in a way any recovery following a disaster is never-ending.
Though buildings are rebuilt, possessions repurchased and lives are uprooted, the experience itself can leave an indelible memory on the communities.
Not only did the floods physically change some landscapes, they left a mental impact on many people who will undoubtedly think back to 2013 and expect the best outcome but worry about the worst when most Junes bring high amounts of rain.
It also brought forward the priority of having a comprehensive flood mitigation plan, with the threat of another flood always a real possibility each spring.
One look at the history books can show residents that the 2013 floods is anything far from an isolated event.
Canmore is still completing a lengthy flood mitigation program, with several setbacks to the Cougar Creek project potentially seeing it not completed until 2025, and several more smaller mitigation projects to go.
From those who may have lost nearly everything, those who were evacuated, to those who witnessed the catastrophic loss of property from Mother Nature to those who were simply in the community at the time, the floods left a mark on the region.
The images of the flood and those of the immediate aftermath will continue to stand out in highlighting the devastation, with the Trans-Canada Highway washed out, houses teetering on the brink of collapse and normally dry lands completely submerged.
Other images will also be recalled such as contractors in heavy equipment frantically moving debris from Cougar Creek to provide safety, countless people covered in mud cleaning out impacted homes and the Canada Day parade in Canmore that left an emotional mark on hundreds – if not thousands – of people.
No matter if it’s 10, 20 or 30 years, the 2013 floods will always be a part of the area’s history for better or worse.
But when people look back in years to come, their determination and resolve will always be remembered.
