Latest news with #ElbowRiver
CTV News
11 hours ago
- CTV News
‘Inherent risks to all parts of the river': Officials urge caution while floating the Bow and Elbow
This weekend kicks off the busiest time of year for aquatic rescues in Calgary, and officials want anyone floating the Bow or Elbow to be extra cautious. As July approaches, the Calgary Fire Department water rescue team is expecting a busy month ahead. Officials want anyone floating the Bow or Elbow to be extra cautious—wear a life jacket and don't drink or smoke cannabis. 'It's not top of mind for a lot of people, so that's why every year we want to remind people about the dangers,' said Carol Henke, public information officer for the Calgary Fire Department. Aquatic safety experts say the Bow and Elbow rivers, even during summer heat, can see flow and temperature variations very quickly. 'There's inherent risks to all parts of the river,' said Alex Kwan, community safety officer for the Calgary Fire Department. Kwan says the busiest stretch of the Bow River begins at the Shouldice boat launch and goes through to Harvie Passage in Inglewood, especially where there are bridge crossings. 'What we see is people get into trouble by getting pushed by the current against any of the bridge pillars,' said Kwan. The risks on the water are high. Since 2016, there have been 29 fatalities. Last July, there were four deaths on the water—higher than the average. Wearing a life jacket is not only life-saving—it's the law. Failure to wear one could result in a $500 fine. This weekend kicks off the busiest time of year for aquatic rescues in Calgary, and officials want anyone floating the Bow or Elbow to be extra cautious. This weekend kicks off the busiest time of year for aquatic rescues in Calgary, and officials want anyone floating the Bow or Elbow to be extra cautious. Calgary police say booze and cannabis should only be consumed where it's safe and legal on dry land. 'We don't want to see any tragedies. We've seen enough in the past,' said Acting Insp. Kurt Jacobs. There will be an increased presence of police and peace officers along the shoreline, not just for enforcement, but also for education. 'We want you to have fun on the waterways, but we want you to be safe and we want you to get home at the end of the day,' said Acting Sgt. Mark Smith. Emergency officials recommend having a plan. The rules on the water are the same as on the road. Alcohol or cannabis consumption is not allowed. If you are impaired, you can be charged—just as you would as an impaired driver behind the wheel. Police officers say not everyone might be aware of this.
CTV News
6 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Boating advisory issued for Bow River: CFD
Marni Cain captured the Bow River on June 9, 2025. A boating advisory was issued for the river Sunday following heavy rain Saturday. Following a heavy Saturday rainfall, the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) issued a boating advisory for the Bow River on Sunday. At 10:21 a.m. the CFD issued the advisory, saying that the Bow has 'exceeded recommended safe flow rates for boating or swimming.' 'Effective immediately,' it added, 'the Calgary Fire Department advises against boating and all other water activities on the Bow River during this time.' The advisory came almost 12 years to the day that Calgary experienced the flood of 2013, when water poured over the banks of the Bow and the Elbow, but the city said in its release that that's not likely in 2025. 'Flooding over riverbanks is not expected,' the city said. 'However high flow rates may continue, making conditions on and near the river dangerous. 'Pathways near the river may continue to be affected,' the release added. The fire department said flow rates exceeded 280 cubic metres per second above the Elbow River confluence, along with turbidity and debris. 'We know that Calgarians love their rivers,' said CFD deputy fire chief Pete Steenaerts, in a release, 'yet we also know that when our waterways flow this high and fast, there's significant risk to anyone, regardless of your watercraft or skill level.' If you're near the river Sunday, you're advised to exercise caution around riverbanks, as fast-moving water can cause erosion and destabilization. Also: Warn children about the hazards of fast-moving water; Cyclists and pedestrians should watch for low-lying areas where the river can submerge pathways; and Keep pets away from fast-moving water. Saturday's forecast was for up to 80 millimetres of rain in the city. For more information, go here.
CBC
21-05-2025
- Climate
- CBC
Long-awaited Springbank off-stream reservoir now in operation
Social Sharing A major flood resilience project is finished, almost 12 years after flood waters surged into Calgary communities in 2013, killing one person and causing billions of dollars in damage. The Springbank off-stream reservoir (SR1) is now in operation and ready to protect communities along the Elbow River from large-scale floods, the province announced Wednesday. The dry reservoir, located approximately 15 kilometres west of Calgary in Rocky View County, will divert and store flood waters from the Elbow River when needed and release them when it's safe. "With flood season now upon us, Calgary and southern Alberta can rest assured that they will be protected from future large-scale floods like that of 2013," said Alberta Minister of Transportation Devin Dreeshen in a news release. "SR1's innovative design will ensure people, communities and businesses are buffered from the most devastating physical and economic impacts of major floods." A 24-metre wide, 4.7-kilometre long diversion canal will carry flood water to the off-stream site. It's a 29-metre tall, 3.8-kilometre long storage dam and reservoir. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 70.2 million cubic metres — approximately enough water to fill 28,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Calgary flood season underway Calgary's 2025 flood season, marking the two months when river flooding is most likely, began last week. The chances of flooding this year are considered "normal," according to the city, adding Calgarians are better protected from flooding than ever before. Calgary has achieved a 70 per cent reduction in flood risk exposure, the city announced in a news release last Thursday. "Though there's still more that needs to be done to protect communities that remain vulnerable to flooding, our city's overall resilience has come a long way over the last 12 years," said Frank Frigo, a water resources engineer with the city, in the release. Reservoir will also protect wildlife, says forestry minister The Springbank reservoir will also protect wildlife and their habitat from the impacts of major floods, according to the province. "The Springbank reservoir reflects the government's commitment to protecting Albertans, wildlife and the diverse landscapes we all share," said Todd Loewen, Alberta's minister of forestry and parks, in the news release. "This flood mitigation measure will ensure critical habitats are protected, meaning fish and wildlife populations in the region can continue to thrive, while also protecting the outdoor spaces Albertans hold dear." Construction on the Springbank off-stream reservoir began in 2022. Total costs added up to an estimated $849 million, including land purchases. The province has previously said it reached voluntary agreements with all affected landowners and no land expropriation was needed.
