We are in the process of improving our Flood Readiness website to better serve you. Our goal is to streamline information, declutter outdated resources and enhance site speed for more efficient navigation.
During this process, you may notice changes or reorganization on the website. Please be assured that these modifications are intentional and designed to improve your user experience and the overall searchability of the platform.
We value your understanding and cooperation as we work diligently to provide you with a more efficient and accessible online platform.
Thank you for being a vital part of our community and contributing to our collective flood readiness efforts.
Latest updates on the Drumheller Resiliency & Flood Mitigation Project will be posted on this page. Once the updates are no longer considered new, the information will be stored on one of the Be Informed pages.
If you have any questions, email floodreadiness@drumheller.ca or contact the Drumheller Resiliency & Flood Mitigation Office directly here.
November 23, 2023: East Coulee Update
Attention East Coulee residents!
The Flood Office would like to bring to your attention the latest developments concerning our flood mitigation projects within the East Coulee community:
Shrub and Brush Clearing
In anticipation of winter and to maximize riprap storage, we will be clearing shrubs and brush on the wet side of the berm at the upstream end. The designated area will be marked off before any tree clearing begins. Rest assured, this process will not impact adjacent landowners, and no private trees will be removed.
Driveway Repairs
The Town of Drumheller has reviewed and approved a contractor quote to widen driveway structures and resurface roads. This work is scheduled to commence in the coming weeks, and we will provide further updates to impacted landowners once the schedule is confirmed.
Pathway and Topsoil
Our contractor has confirmed that topsoil spreading has yet to be completed for this area. To ensure optimal results, our landscaping contractor has advised that this work should be carried out in the spring to minimize the risk of winter erosion and will be returning to do so. The contractor will also be responsible for implementing erosion and sediment control measures to prevent topsoil loss off the berm side slope during this interim period. Additionally, the pathway will be revitalized with crushed asphalt surfacing in the spring.
Thank you for your cooperation and support in keeping our community safe and beautiful!
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Flood Mitigation projects, please feel free to contact us at floodreadiness@drumheller.ca.
November 3, 2023: Riverside Drive Re-Opening
Attention Drumheller residents and visitors!
We are pleased to inform you that, following a necessary road closure as part of our ongoing flood mitigation construction efforts, Riverside Drive is officially reopening today at 5 p.m.
We sincerely appreciate your patience during this period, and we want to express our gratitude for your commitment to our shared goal of a safer, more resilient community
For any additional information or inquiries, please don't hesitate to contact us at floodreadiness@drumheller.ca
November 3, 2023: Downtown Berm Construction Paused and Pathway Detour
During the winter months, downtown berm construction activities will be paused due to snow, colder temperatures and frozen ground conditions. Consequently, the downtown berm area will be closed to the public and a secure fence will be installed around it for safety reasons. We kindly request that residents adhere to posted signage, respect the fencing, and avoid entering these restricted areas.
However, the Riverside Drive sidewalk will remain accessible throughout the winter. For the pathway detour map, CLICK HERE.
October 19, 2023: Updated Flood Mitigation Schedule
The updated schedule is now available for berm construction projects in Midland, Newcastle, Grove Plaza, Willow Estates, Downtown Drumheller, Michichi Creek West and East, Hospital, East Coulee, Rosedale / West Rosedale Scarlett, Nacmine and Lehigh.
The schedule is subject to change based on the progress of property acquisitions, regulatory approvals and material supply.
At this time, funding has not been guaranteed for berms in North Cambria, Highway 10x and Riverwood Close. These projects will be re-assessed in the future.
To download the updated program schedule, click here.
October 6, 2023: Public Notice for East Coulee Residents
Attention East Coulee Residents,
The Flood Office is commencing test pit excavation in East Coulee as a vital component of ongoing flood mitigation initiatives taking place in the community. The test pits are required as part of the regulatory approvals to determine if any archaeological resources may be present at the site.
Project Purpose:
In Alberta, historic resources are not always visible on the surface. As a result, construction or development projects may inadvertently impact these resources. To safeguard these historical assets, the Government of Alberta mandates various assessments to uncover hidden resources. This process involves excavating areas in advance to gather archaeological information such as buried artifacts and other evidence that tells us about human life in the past.
Impact on East Coulee:
As part of ongoing work within East Coulee, several locations necessitate assessment and evaluation. To facilitate this, the Flood Office will be supporting the excavation of 5 to 6 test pits along the Phase 2 footprint, with depths of up to 3 meters to access glacial sediments. This archaeological data is required as part of the flood mitigation regulatory approvals and ensures that adequate due diligence is in place to protect any historic resources located in the construction area below ground level.
What Residents Can Expect:
In the winter, we will conduct the 5-6 test pit excavations. An area map outlining the proposed text excavation sites for East Coulee can be viewed below.
Residents should expect the presence of heavy equipment, including trucks and excavators, which will generate noise during the operation. For your safety and that of the workers, we kindly request that you steer clear of excavation sites during the work's progress.
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as we carry out these crucial projects in East Coulee.
Should you have any questions, please reach out to the Flood Office directly via: floodreadiness@drumheller.ca
September 21, 2023: Lehigh House and Shed Auction
The opportunity to bid on a House and Shed at 106 2 Street, Drumheller (Lehigh) is now open through Joe Castonguay at Royal Lepage. We invite interested parties to participate in this auction, more information on the properties, bidding process, important dates, and process are available here:
Should you have any inquiries, do not hesitate to contact Joe Castonguay at Royal Lepage for further assistance at 403.823.0366 or joecastonguay@royallepage.ca
September 13, 2023: Upcoming Community Engagement Session — Rosedale, North Drumheller & Scarlett Berm
The DRFMO cordially invites you to join us for an in-person Community Engagement Session at the Badlands Community Facility. This session will focus on the Rosedale, North Drumheller and Scarlett Berms.
Event Details: Date:Wednesday, November 15, 2023 Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Location: Badlands Community Facility
What to Expect: These sessions are designed to foster open discussion and provide insights into the strategies being implemented to enhance flood resilience within these communities. This event will be structured as a drop-in, open-house format, with designated flood project booths, allowing you to seek out the subject areas of greatest relevance. Please be advised that Town of Drumheller representatives will also be available at this event to assist with any questions or concerns regarding the newly introduced Town of Drumheller parking initiative and other general inquiries.
Join the Dialogue: We encourage all residents to attend, actively participate, and bring any questions you may have for project representatives who will be situated at information booths on site. Your input is valued as we work to build a more resilient and flood-ready community.
Please Join Us: This is a unique opportunity to engage with project representatives and learn more about the future of the Rosedale, North Drumheller and Scarlett Berm projects. We hope you'll join us for this informative evening.
September 1, 2023: Important Update — East Coulee Tree Removal
EAST COULEE TREE REMOVAL NOTICE
Attention East Coulee Residents
Ensuring the safety and well-being of our community is our top priority, and we want to inform you about an upcoming critical tree removal project that will commence in the East Coulee Area on September 5th.
East Coulee: Preserving the Safety of Shared Green Spaces
In our ongoing commitment to safeguard our shared green spaces, our team recently conducted an on-site evaluation of the trees in the East Coulee Area. This evaluation revealed that several trees have reached an advanced stage of aging and degradation, which presents an immediate safety concern for our residents. Here's what we found:
East Coulee:
One tree has reached the end of its life cycle and is displaying signs of declining health. This tree poses an immediate hazard, and it has been recommended that it be promptly removed.
An additional tree next to the berm has been identified as an immediate hazard for emergency services vehicles such as fire trucks and garbage trucks, restricting vehicle access along this roadway. Removal has been recommended for this location.
We understand that these actions may raise questions and concerns among residents. Please be assured that our primary focus is the safety of our residents, and this decision has been made following careful consideration. The Flood Office is fully committed to addressing safety risks promptly and responsibly.
Our Action Plan: Safety at the Forefront
Immediate Tree Removal: All trees posing immediate safety and access concerns will be removed promptly to ensure the safety of our community.
We're Here for You: Questions & Concerns
We value your input and are here to provide you with any information you require about this project. Please feel free to contact us at floodreadiness@drumheller.caif you have any questions, concerns, or feedback.
Thank you for your continued support in maintaining the safety and vitality of East Coulee.
August 30, 2023: Important Update —Tree Health and Safety Measures in Centennial Park
Downtown Berm Project Update
Our community's cherished green spaces are vital to our overall well-being, heritage, and communal spirit. Recognizing the profound connection many residents have with our trees, we are approaching the current situation in Centennial Park with responsibility and due care.
During the ongoing Downtown Berm Project, an old Poplar tree unexpectedly fell, narrowly missing construction equipment and the operator. Thankfully, no injuries occurred, but this event necessitated a thorough review of tree health in our parks.
As a result, the Flood Office enlisted Wilco, our project contractor, to collaborate with Arnold Heuver Consulting as part of a rigorous tree health assessment. This assessment aimed to identify any additional trees for removal that pose an immediate public safety risk. The results of their report indicate:
Centennial Park
23 trees are nearing the end of their natural life cycle and are in declining health. Of these, 12 pose an immediate safety risk. As a result, all 23 trees have been recommended for swift removal.
An additional 51 trees are in suboptimal health but do not present immediate hazards.
Our Action Plan
Immediate Tree Removal: For the safety of our residents, the removal of all 23 trees posing an immediate safety risk in Centennial Park will commence immediately. We want to assure the community that this is necessary for public safety.
Pruning: Pruning will be completed for the remaining trees in Centennial Park to prolong their lives and reduce the public safety risk of falling branches.
We understand the deep connection our community has with our green spaces, and the removal of any tree is approached with the utmost gravity, only being considered for the paramount concern of public safety.
For inquiries, concerns, or to review the complete reports and future plans, please reach out to our office at floodreadiness@drumheller.ca
We're grateful for your understanding and active participation in ensuring the health, safety, and beauty of our beloved community parks.
August 30, 2023: Upcoming Community Engagement Session — Nacmine Berm
The DRFMO cordially invites you to join us for an in-person Community Engagement Session at the Badlands Community Facility. This session will focus on the Nacmine Berm.
Event Details: Date: Thursday, September 14, 2023 Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Location: Badlands Community Facility
What to Expect: These sessions are designed to foster open discussion and to provide insights into the strategies being implemented to enhance flood resilience within these communities. This event will be structured in a drop-in, open-house format, with designated flood project booths, allowing you to seek out the subject areas of greatest relevance to you.
Join the Dialogue: We encourage all residents to attend, actively participate, and bring any questions you may have for project representatives who will be situated at information booths on site. Your input is valued as we work to build a more resilient and flood-ready community.
Please Join Us: This is a unique opportunity to engage with project representatives and learn more about the future of the Nacmine Berm project. We hope you'll join us for this informative evening.
August 10, 2023: Updated Flood Mitigation Schedule
The updated schedule is now available for berm construction projects in Midland, Newcastle, Grove Plaza, Willow Estates, Downtown Drumheller, Michichi Creek West and East, Hospital, East Coulee, Rosedale / Scarlett and Nacmine.
The schedule is subject to change based on the progress of property acquisitions, regulatory approvals and material supply.
At this time, funding has not been guaranteed for berms in North Cambria, Highway 10x and Riverwood Close. These projects will be re-assessed in the future.
To download the updated program schedule, click here.
August 10, 2023: Riverside Drive Road Closure
Attention Drumheller residents and visitors!
We wish to bring your attention to an upcoming road closure that will be in effect from August 10th through the end of October. This closure is a vital part of our ongoing flood mitigation construction efforts. During this time, there will be no access to Riverside Drive East for through traffic, with provisions for access made for local residents.
Closure Details:
The affected section of Riverside Drive will start to the east of the Riverside Drive and 3rd Street East intersection and will extend until the intersection of Riverside Drive and 4th Avenue. We kindly request your cooperation and understanding, as access to this part of Riverside Drive will be limited during this construction phase.
Detour Route:
To minimize disruptions to your commute, we recommend following the designated detour route: Please utilize Railway Avenue and Centre Street to the west of Riverside Drive and 6th Street East to the east of Riverside Drive to detour around the closure. This planned detour is aimed at minimizing any inconvenience to your travels.
Safety First:
Your safety remains our utmost priority. We acknowledge that road closures can pose challenges, and we urge all commuters to plan their routes ahead of time, allowing for extra travel time. Please observe all traffic signs, signals, and detour instructions to ensure the safety of both motorists and pedestrians.
Stay Updated:
We are committed to keeping you informed about the progress of the road maintenance work and any developments that could affect the closure period. You can stay informed by regularly visiting our official website, following our social media channels, or subscribing to our email notifications.
Thank You for Your Cooperation:
We understand that this closure may cause some inconvenience, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and cooperation during this essential flood mitigation project. Your understanding and collaboration play a key role in supporting an enhanced community.
We remain committed to ensuring the quality and safety of roads for residents. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Flood Office via floodreadiness@drumheller.ca
July 17, 2023: What We Heard Reports - East Coulee & Downtown Berm Walk Events
Great news!
The eagerly awaited What We Heard Reports for the East Coulee and Downtown Berm Walk events held on July 17 are here and can now be accessed online.
These reports provide a comprehensive summary of the feedback and opinions gathered during these community engagement initiatives.
Whether you participated in the events or simply have a vested interest in the development and progress of these areas, reading these reports is an excellent way to stay informed and gain valuable insights into the community's perspectives.
June 23, 2023: Important Update —Newcastle Berm Completion and Facility Reopening
We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our flood readiness efforts. As of June 23, the Newcastle Berm construction project has been completed substantially, with just a few minor clean-up items remaining. This accomplishment signifies a significant step in safeguarding our community against potential flooding risks.
We are pleased to inform you that, due to this progress, Ball Diamond #2 and the Dog Park are now ready to reopen for public use. We invite everyone to enjoy these recreational spaces and the beautiful summer weather.
However, we are bringing to your attention that a few upcoming activities may cause intermittent closures and minor inconveniences. In September 2023, our dedicated tree and shrub contractor will be working in the area to complete the planting phase of the project. During this period, specific work areas may experience temporary closures as they carry out their tasks efficiently. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding.
Additionally, we kindly remind everyone to refrain from accessing the newly seeded areas on the berm and adjacent disturbed areas. It is crucial to allow the grass to establish undisturbed. By staying off these areas, we can ensure their successful growth and contribute to the overall longevity of the project.
Our contractor will also conduct landscape-related touch-ups throughout the summer as their schedule allows. These touch-ups are essential to ensure the final aesthetic appeal of the project aligns with our vision for a vibrant and resilient community.
We appreciate your ongoing support and cooperation throughout this flood readiness initiative. Together, we are building a safer and more secure future for Drumheller. We will continue to provide regular updates on our progress and any further developments.
For more information and the latest updates, please visit our official website at floodreadiness.drumheller.ca and follow our social media channels.
Thank you for your understanding and enthusiasm as we work towards enhancing the flood readiness of our beloved community.
June 20, 2023: Upcoming Construction Project: Downtown Berm Construction
We are excited to share important news regarding an upcoming construction project that will have a significant impact on the downtown area of Drumheller. This initiative is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to mitigate the risks of flooding and enhance the safety and resilience of our community. While we understand that construction projects can be disruptive, we want to assure you that we will prioritize minimizing inconvenience for the residents of Drumheller.
Project Overview: The Downtown Berm construction project involves upgrading and expanding the existing berm along the Red Deer River. This vital infrastructure improvement will begin near the Aquaplex building and extend towards higher ground near Riverside Drive and 4th Ave East. To maintain two-way traffic on Riverside Drive, a retaining wall section spanning approximately 240 meters will be constructed. We have streamlined the project by combining Phase 1 and Phase 2 to optimize costs and expedite the construction process.
Construction Schedule: We anticipate that construction will commence in late June or early July. Our contractor, Wilco Contractors Southwest Inc., will mobilize to the area and begin early works during this period. Earthfill haul and placement are scheduled to start in July. Our goal is to complete the construction by the end of November 2023, pending regulatory authorizations for in-stream rock placement this summer. Landscaping work in Centennial Park, which is part of the project, will be finished by the end of 2023 to ensure the park's availability in 2024.
Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures: We understand that construction activities may have potential impacts on the surrounding environment and your daily activities. We want to address your concerns and share the measures we will take to minimize disruptions:
Dust Control: The contractor will implement various strategies, such as spraying water and utilizing dust suppression equipment, to minimize dust generation.
Noise Reduction: Efforts will be made to adhere to local noise bylaws and use noise reduction methods and equipment to minimize noise levels.
Vibration Monitoring: The contractor will monitor and control vibration levels within acceptable limits to minimize any impact on surrounding structures.
Truck Traffic Management: There will be an increase in truck traffic during the construction period. To ensure your safety and the smooth movement of vehicles, the contractor will establish designated haul routes and may implement speed reductions in certain areas.
Temporary Road Closures: We want to emphasize that all road closures associated with the construction project are temporary and not permanent. These closures are necessary to facilitate the construction process and will be reopened once the project is completed.
What You Can Do to Prepare for Construction: We understand that the construction project may cause temporary disruptions in the downtown area. To help you prepare and minimize any inconvenience, we suggest the following:
Stay Informed: Stay updated on the project's progress, schedule, and any potential changes by visiting our website at floodreadiness.drumheller.ca or contacting our project contacts. Regular communication will ensure that you are aware of any specific impacts or requirements during the construction period.
Plan Ahead: Be prepared for temporary disruptions such as road and pathway detours, increased noise levels, dust, and truck traffic. If you have any sensitive activities or events planned during the construction period, consider adjusting your schedules or contacting our project contacts for assistance in minimizing disturbances.
Secure Loose Items: If you live near the construction area, please ensure that any loose items on your property, such as fragile decorations, wall hangings, and pictures, are securely stored or relocated to avoid potential damage.
Follow Safety Instructions: Pay attention to any signage, temporary road closures, or traffic control measures implemented during the construction. It is essential to follow the instructions provided for your safety and the safety of the construction workers.
Protect Sensitive Areas: If you have gardens or landscaping on your property, consider taking precautions to protect them during the construction period. Temporary barriers or coverings can be installed to prevent any potential damage.
Address Concerns: If you have any specific concerns or issues related to the construction, please do not hesitate to reach out to our project contacts or the contractor. They will be available to address your concerns and provide assistance whenever possible.
We also want to invite you to join us on Monday, June 26th, for a special Downtown Berm Walk. During this event, we will be walking the berm footprint, providing you with an up-close view of the construction area, and answering any questions you may have. The walk will start at 5:00 p.m., and we will be meeting in the parking lot of the BCF. We encourage you to join us and take this opportunity to engage with our team. Your presence and participation will be highly valued.
We appreciate your understanding and patience throughout this construction project. Our shared commitment to enhancing the safety and resilience of our community is essential. Together, we will make Drumheller stronger and more flood-resistant.
March 27, 2023: Work Resuming in Newcastle
Berm construction work is set to resume in Newcastle this week, starting with the removal of some elm trees, which is necessary for the work to proceed. Next week, crews will begin moving equipment as the spring construction season begins.
In the interest of safety, please stay out of the work areas. If you have any questions about berm construction work in Newcastle, you can contact the Flood Office at floodreadiness@Drumheller.ca.
Berm construction drawings for the Newcastle berm are available here.
March 22, 2023: Ball Diamond 2 Closure in Newcastle
Work is set to resume on the berm project in Newcastle in late March. Pidherney's, the construction contractor in charge of the project, will begin with tree clearing, followed by construction work in early April.
As a result of the construction, Ball Diamond 2 will be closed until at least June 15. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. The diamond will be reopened as soon as it is possible to do so. Ball Diamonds 1 and 3 will remain open
We understand that this closure may be inconvenient to some, but in the interest of safety, we ask everyone to stay away from Ball Diamond 2 while work proceeds. This work is vitally important, and will improve flood resiliency in the area for decades to come.
In the interest of safety, we ask that residents stay out of the work areas. Construction drawings for the berm in Newscastle can be found here.
March 1, 2023: Provincial Funding Update
The Province of Alberta released its 2023 Budget on February 28. The budget included an additional $27.3 million in funding for the Flood Mitigation project in the Drumheller Valley. The Flood Office expects that this will allow for the completion of all remaining berms. This work will help protect the Valley from future flooding events.
The Flood Office looks forward to completing a funding agreement with the Province of Alberta, and appreciates their commitment to flood mitigation.
February 22, 2023: Tree Clearing Announcement
Spring 2023 tree clearing work is set to begin on March 1 and run until April 15. Please see the back of this page for a map of where work will be done.
Tree clearing is essential to allow for the construction of berms in the area. The trees slated for removal have been chosen carefully to avoid unnecessary clearing.
In the interest of safety, the Flood Office would like to remind residents to stay out of the work areas. Upon completion of the work, wood chips and fire wood will be available for pickup. Please stay tuned for the schedule and locations.
More information about this tree clearing project is available on the Flood Readiness website. For any questions about tree clearing or flood mitigation work in the Drumheller Valley, residents are invited to contact the Flood Office.
February 21, 2023: House Relocation Sale
The Town of Drumheller has begun the process to allow interested parties to bid on homes that have been purchased as part of the Flood Mitigation program. The bid process will allow interested parties to purchase, salvage and relocate structures on any of the properties. Once moved, the lands will be cleaned up and returned to their natural conditions.
The due date for proposals has been set for April 11, 2023 at 2 p.m. MT. Bid documents are available for pickup at the Drumheller Town Office (224 Centre Street) or online here.
The homes up for sale are located on the following properties:
106 2 Street, Lehigh
112 4 Street, Lehigh
199 River Drive, East Coulee
225 4 Street, Lehigh
330 2 Avenue, Lehigh
3092 Riverview Road, Rosedale
February 14, 2023: Changes to Midland Berm Plans
The Flood Office is moving forward with a change to the design of the Midland Berm, approved by Drumheller Council on February 13, 2023.
Following the contract being awarding for the Midland Berm in the summer of 2022, the Flood Office began work to assess the cost of the upstream section of the berm, which runs parallel to 25th Street N.W. The Flood Office determined that there was an opportunity to make use of the existing CN Rail embankment, rather than building a new section of berm, to save on construction costs.
When the tender prices came in for the Midland Berm, the estimated cost to build this leg of the Midland Berm was determined to be $714,800. As Council had directed the Flood Office in May 2022 to seek cost savings opportunities where available, ParklandGeo was engaged to complete a geotechnical field study, soils testing and modelling to determine the feasibility of using the abandoned CN Rail embankment for the upstream leg of the Midland Berm, in place of the new designed berm section along 25th Street N.W.
ParklandGeo’s study found that while the existing CN Rail embankment soil material is not ideal material for a berm structure, the overall width of the embankment (average of 9.8 m) will provide an additional level of safety, mitigating the risk of failure during a flood event. The study also notes that the rail embankment has withstood flooding over the past 110 years.
Modifying the existing Midland CN Rail embankment to use as part of the Town’s flood mitigation infrastructure will result in significant cost savings, but will require new engineering design work to ensure it meets the standards required for a water retaining berm. The landscape drawings and tree and shrub replacement plan will also need to be adjusted to accommodate for the changes.
The anticipated overall cost savings of the project change is estimated at $350,000. Construction administration and construction work can be completed under the existing contracts awarded by Council to KCB and Wilco, respectively. The design and construction costs are eligible for funding under the Program’s overall $55M budget, supported by the Town of Drumheller, the Province and the Federal Government.
Long term, the Town will need to monitor and inspect the embankment on a regular and emergency basis over the long term, and complete any required repairs noted through the monitoring and inspection program.
January 16, 2023: Aquatic Assessment Completed for Michichi Creek Berms
CGI has completed an aquatic assessment of Michichi Creek, a necessary step in the construction of two berms in the area. The assessment covered the land that will be occupied by the North Drumheller Michichi Creek West Berm and the North Drumheller Michichi Creek East Berm projects.
Kerr Wood Ledial is the firm tasked with the design and construction of the two berm projects. Pending regulatory approval, watercourse re-alignment, bank stabilization and armouring construction is scheduled to commence in the spring of 2023.
January 9, 2023: House Relocation Sale (Coming Soon)
The Town of Drumheller will soon be advertising for interested parties to bid on homes that have been purchased as part of the Flood Mitigation program. The bid process will allow interested parties to purchase, salvage and relocate structures on any of the properties. Once moved, the lands will be cleaned up and returned to their natural conditions.
Advertising will be posted here and on the Drumheller Flood Mitigation website in mid-February. Bids will close at the end of March. More information on the properties, upcoming bidding process, dates, and process will be posted once details are finalized.
