Construction of a temporary berm to protect 13 homes in Harlow takes place in case the South Saskatchewan River should flood this spring.--NEWS PHOTO GILLIAN SLADE
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
Temporary berms being constructed in Harlow and just off Industrial Avenue, in case the South Saskatchewan River floods this spring, will cost $33,000.
“The cost will be approximately $22,000 for Harlow, and Industrial Avenue was approximately $11,000,” said Merrick Brown, director of emergency management, in an email.
A temporary berm, currently under construction by MJB Enterprises Ltd., is to protect homes in Harlow on Finlay Court, close to Harris Street where the permanent berm ends. It then continues to provide protection to homes accessed from Link Court.
According to a map provided by the city the temporary berm will protect 13 homes, which works out to about $1,692 per home. The city is covering the cost.
Not all the residents in Harlow had been agreeable to the idea of a permanent berm being constructed to protect their homes after the damage caused in the 2013 flood. The result of that was the permanent berm starting near the Trans-Canada Highway and ending at the bend in the road on Harris Street just before Finlay Court.
Mayor Ted Clugston says most homeowners are now in agreement on the need for a permanent berm.
The other temporary berm is being constructed behind Medalta, just off Industrial Avenue, to provide protection from Ross Creek and Seven Persons Creek if they should flood this spring.
The temporary berms will not be able to be part of the permanent berms planned for both locations with construction of those expected to start in the fall.
Brown says city staff provided assistance including mobilization of materials for the temporary measures.
“Therefore, in addition to getting a leg up on any potential flood threat it has afforded good training and the ability to re-assess the times and resources required to mobilize and install our temporary measures,” said Brown.
Alberta Environment says the mountain snow pack is above average upstream of the Bow and Oldman river systems but it is rainfall in June that will determine the potential for flooding.
