Flood Prevention

Severe rainstorms in July 2004 caused flooding on streets, roadways and in more than 4,000 homes throughout Edmonton. Damage to public and private property was extensive.

Utility Services developed flood prevention strategies with 3 key goals:

1. Find the main causes of flooding in at-risk neighbourhoods
2. Identify options for reducing the risk of flooding in the future
3. Work with communities and other stakeholders to implement viable solutions

The Flood Prevention Program addresses flood issues in 43 at-risk neighbourhoods. Major problem areas are being addressed first to minimize severe flood risk.

Program Scope

This program covers the following components:

1. Neighbourhood Flood Prevention
   This work identifies drainage improvement projects according to the greatest concentration of flood-impacted heighbourhoods. The flood prevention works have been substantially completed in 12 of the 31 neighbourhoods.
2. Opportunistic Flood Prevention
   Aquired surplus school sites are retrofitted as stormwater management facilities such as dry ponds for the purpose of flood prevention.
3. Overland Drainage
   Responding to, investigating, evaluating and undertaking minor works to address surface drainage concerns.
   
   The work ensures that the existing overland drainage system is functioning properly and efficiently to prevent flooding or maintenance problems for the residents.
4. Morris Pond
   Morris Pond is a stormwater management facility located west of 34 Street, between 84 Avenue and 92 Avenue. This flood control facility is designed to control stormwater flows within Gold Bar Creek for existing and future development, and reduce downstream erosion.

Benefits

• reduces flood risk from future storm events
• decreases response requirements for the Drainage Operations staff during storm events
• requires lower maintenance for the new sewers and ponds
• reduces Gold Bar Creek downstream erosion
• Morris Pond, located in a natural wetland, provides additional environmental benefits from the establishment of a healthy landscape surrounding the pond areas
• provides sports and recreation amenities for the community
• improves water quality before stormwater is diverted to the North Saskatchewan River

For More Information

Utility Services