{"id":2955,"date":"2024-12-17T05:48:50","date_gmt":"2024-12-17T11:48:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edmonton.name\/?p=2955"},"modified":"2024-12-17T05:48:53","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T11:48:53","slug":"dam-or-barrier-a-flood-prevention-solution-for-edmonton","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edmonton.name\/en\/eternal-2955-dam-or-barrier-a-flood-prevention-solution-for-edmonton","title":{"rendered":"Dam or Barrier? A Flood Prevention Solution for Edmonton"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The issue of flooding and natural disasters remains a significant concern for Alberta and, particularly, Edmonton. The region is no stranger to its \u201cAchilles\u2019 heel,\u201d as experts often describe it. Since the early 20th century, nature has struck the area with devastating floods twice, with the 1915 flood being particularly memorable. As the saying goes, \u201cWithout the past, there is no future.\u201d Let\u2019s delve into the problem that continues to alarm the capital of Alberta and the province as a whole. More on <a href=\"https:\/\/edmonton.name\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/edmonton.name\/\">edmonton.name<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3ff10b39676\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3ff10b39676\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton.name\/en\/eternal-2955-dam-or-barrier-a-flood-prevention-solution-for-edmonton\/#Memorable_Floods\" >Memorable Floods<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton.name\/en\/eternal-2955-dam-or-barrier-a-flood-prevention-solution-for-edmonton\/#What_Can_Be_Done_Experts_Weigh_In\" >What Can Be Done? Experts Weigh In<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton.name\/en\/eternal-2955-dam-or-barrier-a-flood-prevention-solution-for-edmonton\/#Areas_at_Risk\" >Areas at Risk<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton.name\/en\/eternal-2955-dam-or-barrier-a-flood-prevention-solution-for-edmonton\/#Dam_vs_Barrier_Debate\" >Dam vs. Barrier Debate<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton.name\/en\/eternal-2955-dam-or-barrier-a-flood-prevention-solution-for-edmonton\/#Moving_Forward\" >Moving Forward<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Memorable_Floods\"><\/span>Memorable Floods<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/1-4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2956\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/1-4.png 600w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/1-4-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>January 28, 1915, is forever inscribed in the city\u2019s chronicles with somber letters, as Edmonton\u2019s primary natural treasure brought catastrophe to the region. Within mere hours, the water level of the North Saskatchewan River rose by ten feet. The result was devastating: homes, sawmills, farmlands, and countless other human achievements were swept away by the water. Despite the rail workers&#8217; attempts to halt the flood\u2014using railcars to block the debris-laden surge\u2014they could not withstand nature&#8217;s force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Statistics indicate that, on average, a significant flood occurs in the region once every hundred years. The year 2013 provided stark confirmation, as the Calgary flood caused approximately five billion dollars in damages to the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Be_Done_Experts_Weigh_In\"><\/span>What Can Be Done? Experts Weigh In<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"476\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/2-3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2959\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/2-3.png 600w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/2-3-300x238.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In the aftermath of 2013, experts, specialists, and regional leadership identified three priority approaches that could act as solutions for flood prevention:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Building the \u201cGenesee\u201d Dam at an estimated cost of 500 million dollars.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Constructing flood barriers along the North Saskatchewan River, projected to cost 100 million dollars.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Doing nothing and relying on fate to be more merciful in the future.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Statistical data indicates that Edmonton residents have a 56% chance of experiencing a significant flood, making the risk substantial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some experts believe that building a barrier near the communities of Cloverdale, Riverdale, and Rossdale could mitigate the problem, provided the total length of the barriers is approximately 10 kilometers. Their calculations estimate that construction and associated work\u2014such as road relocation, infrastructure adjustments, and tree removal\u2014would cost around 100 million dollars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meanwhile, other engineers suggest that constructing a dam 30 kilometers west of Edmonton could serve as the region\u2019s lifeline. They recommend situating this dam in the valleys of the North Saskatchewan River.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Areas_at_Risk\"><\/span>Areas at Risk<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to expert assessments, Edmonton\u2019s valley plains remain under significant threat, with approximately 2,000 homes\u2014housing nearly 4,000 residents\u2014potentially at risk. Additionally, notable landmarks, including the city\u2019s tourist highlight \u201cFort Edmonton Park,\u201d face potential danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 1915 flood prompted city leaders to conclude that residential developments should not be built on valley plains, as they are the first to succumb to floodwaters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dam_vs_Barrier_Debate\"><\/span>Dam vs. Barrier Debate<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An alternative viewpoint emphasizes the need to build dams near Edmonton, possibly multiple ones. Advocates of this theory argue that barriers are not a complete solution, as they merely create new lakes and reservoirs, delaying the inevitable and shifting the flood\u2019s location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although Alberta already has two dams\u2014Brazeau and Nordegg\u2014they are too distant to provide full protection for Edmonton. However, compared to barriers, their impact on flood mitigation for the city remains noticeable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Moving_Forward\"><\/span>Moving Forward<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There is hope that a decision will be made soon to ensure that future generations will not suffer due to indecision at the start of the 21st century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet, no matter how strong the fortifications, nature\u2019s power can be overwhelming. The key remains in treating nature with respect, as even the most sophisticated structures cannot withstand her full force if we fail to care for the environment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The issue of flooding and natural disasters remains a significant concern for Alberta and, particularly, Edmonton. The region is no stranger to its \u201cAchilles\u2019 heel,\u201d as experts often describe it. Since the early 20th century, nature has struck the area with devastating floods twice, with the 1915 flood being particularly memorable. As the saying goes, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":463,"featured_media":2962,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[334],"tags":[1518,1509,1519,1514,1517,1479,1511,1516,1515,1521,1512,1513,1311,1520,1510],"moimportance":[33],"motype":[325],"moformat":[18],"class_list":{"0":"post-2955","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-engineering-solutions","8":"tag-1915-edmonton-flood","9":"tag-alberta-flood-prevention","10":"tag-brazeau-dam-alberta","11":"tag-calgary-flood-2013","12":"tag-cloverdale-flood-risk","13":"tag-edmonton-floods","14":"tag-edmonton-valley-plains","15":"tag-flood-barriers-edmonton","16":"tag-flood-mitigation-alberta","17":"tag-fort-edmonton-park-flood-risk","18":"tag-genesee-dam-project","19":"tag-nordegg-dam","20":"tag-north-saskatchewan-river","21":"tag-riverdale-flood-risk","22":"tag-rossdale-community-flooding","23":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory","24":"motype-eternal","25":"moformat-vlasna"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2955","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/463"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2955"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2955\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2965,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2955\/revisions\/2965"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2962"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2955"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2955"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2955"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=2955"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=2955"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=2955"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}