To protect Sunnyside from future flooding, the Flood Mitigation Measures Assessment​ (FMMA) report, approved by Council in spring of 2017, recommended that a combination of mitigation solutions that work together to create a flexible and adaptable flood risk management program. Each piece of the strategy provides great benefits independently, but together, they ensure the most effective flood protection strategy.

Below is a summary of this multi-measure approach to building flood resiliency that includes the construction of a new upstream reservoir, as well as changes to the TransAlta’s Ghost Reservoir and the construction of community-level flood barriers.

Learn more about Calgary's Flood Mitigation and Resiliency Plan.

As part of The City’s emergency response plan, we are ready to respond, if needed, in areas that are still vulnerable to river flooding. We stockpile riverbank protection and temporary barrier materials and each spring our City teams review their plans, conduct site visits and train crews.  

In addition, every spring, infrastructure such as water main valves, stormwater outfall gates, lift stations and pump are prepared, tested or positioned for flood season to reduce potential damages during a flood.

The section of barrier between Centre St and 10 St N.W. is an average height of 1.5m. The maximum height of the barrier will be 3.4m in certain sections depending on existing elevation. 

After working with the community and completing a Triple Bottom Line evaluation to explore different options for a flood barrier in Sunnyside, Council approved the 1 in 100-year flood barrier height that will help protect people, homes and businesses in Sunnyside/Hillhurst from river flooding.

Benefits of the 1:100 year flood level barrier height

• Reduces the 2013-level flood risk, which will be further reduced by current and future upstream reservoirs on the Bow River.
• Less disruptive to the community look and feel
• Increases the ability to protect vulnerable populations
• Meets the provincial and federal flood standard (1 in 100-year)
• Provides the building blocks for future climate resiliency

The 1 in 100-year barrier for Sunnyside  was determined to be the best balance between social, environmental and economic considerations When constructed, it will immediately reduce Sunnyside’s risk from a 2013-level flood.

No, the Peace Bridge will remain open throughout construction.

The Peace Bridge will be accessible from the west side pathway from 9 St N.W. only. There will be no access to the Peace Bridge from 7 St. The north plaza area will be reduced in size for construction later this summer.

No, the Prince’s Island Park Pedestrian Bridge will remain open to cross Memorial Drive N.W.  and the Bow River to access downtown.

There will be no ramp or stair access to the Bow River pathway. The ramp to the boat launch be re-opened before May long weekend for rafting season. 

Yes, vibration monitoring will be ongoing during sheet pile installation. This monitoring ensures the ground vibrations remain under thresholds that could cause damage to adjacent infrastructure such as buried utilities, bridges or homes.

As we advanced the flood barrier design, we recognized the significant impact this project would have on the area. During this time, it also uncovered some opportunities to integrate the flood barrier into other work that was happening in this area and a desire to capitalize on this moment to protect and enhance the area as much as possible while adding the flood protection. 

To help increase flood resiliency and create spaces that enhance the connection with the river, natural environment and commemorate our heritage, we’re combining this work through an integrated program. We recognized that by taking a more integrated approach we could achieve the best outcome for the area.

During the Peace Bridge development phase of the flood barrier project, we engaged with the communities about their preferences for pedestrian crossings along Memorial Drive. . As a result of this engagement, it was decided that the community’s preference would be to maintain the existing pedestrian crossings at 7 St and 9 St N.W. rather than including one at 8 St N.W.

The flood barrier and landscape design east of the Peace Bridge has considered this and will include deterrents such as a concrete wall with a railing and boulders to discourage individuals from scaling the flood barrier and attempting to illegally cross Memorial Drive at 8 St N.W.