This roadway is a low volume thoroughfare. The existing roadway modification is relatively minor in Willow Estates. Traffic safety and geometric design are not significant issues, as they are for the Downtown Berm.

Currently there is public access to the riverbank. Similarly, access will be available to the crest of the Berm and riverbank at select locations.

7th Ave is the only access to the homes east of Willow Estates. A detailed Traffic Accommodation Strategy (TAS) will be a component of the Tendering phase of the project in order to minimize inconvenience to residents. Measures such as single lane closures and alternative access will be investigated.

Where possible, replacement vegetation such as grass will be incorporated into the project. This includes plantings adjacent to the river toe of the setback dike and also shrub and other plantings adjacent to the drainage swale that is located on the land side of the dike. Additional trees will be planted at other suitable locations in Drumheller Valley.

The above measure was reviewed but had drawbacks. These include: (1) 7 Ave would still have to be raised on either side of the dike to allow for a gradual transition; (2) requires larger and more complex cross drain/culvert structure to convey ditch flow across the Berm; and (3) potential backup of ditch flow at cross drain/culvert would result in flooding of Willow Estates.

As shown in the Figure, Riverside Drive and the area to the east are higher than the 1850 m3/s flow.

Typically, there will be between 2 to 5 m between the toe of the Berm and landowner's property lines.

Yes. Regulatory approvals are required from Federal agencies (DFO, Transport Canada) and Provincial agencies (Alberta Environment & Parks, Alberta Public Lands).

Yes, pending easy removal in the event of an emergency.

Yes, access to the river will remain the same with an accessible gravel road and a gate.

River access will remain the same as it is now, with a gated, accessible gravel road.

The top of the berm will be 4m wide.

The stormwater outfalls will be fitted with gates to mitigate against river water moving back into the community during a high flow event through the stormwater drainage system. Each manhole will have both a passively operated flap gate and a manually operated sluice gate, which can be closed during a flood event by Town staff.

The Downtown berm does have riprap in some locations to protect the riverbank against erosion, similar to the Willow Estates berm.  For the Downtown Berm alignment considered which keeps Riverside Drive open and does not have a retaining wall, the berm footprint extends into the river by several metres, with riprap placed on top of it, which would be a significant flow constriction and have impacts on fish habitat.  This Downtown berm option was not advanced further as Fisheries and Oceans Canada have told the Flood Office that if alternate berm alignments are available, they will not permit those with significant in-stream encroachments.

The Town of Drumheller will be responsible for mowing of the berm several times a year.  The berm side slopes will be similar to a roadway ditch side slope.

Encroaching into the river impacts aquatic habitat, which requires approval from Alberta Environment and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which are difficult to get approved, especially when there are other viable alternatives that do not encroach into the river.

Signage will be in place, and no formal trails will be constructed on the berm crest.  As the berm will be on public land, the DRFMO can’t stop the public from accessing the area.

A ditch will be constructed in between the toe of the berm and the back of lots to collect runoff.  The ditch will convey the stormwater runoff and snow melt to stormwater catch basins at central locations, to convey the runoff to the river via pipes.

The landscape team will do what is in their power to accommodate individual resident preferences when it comes to tree and shrub replacements behind their homes.

Yes, the construction team has been notified of the bus stop locations and will act safely and diligently during school hours.

The contractor will install tarps on the construction fencing to help mitigate against dust blowing into adjacent yards, and will manage the fill placement to mitigate drying of materials and development of dusty conditions.  Should you have concerns about dust as the work progresses, feel free to reach out to Wilco at 403-660-6607.