Mountain Creek Hazard Mitigation

Because of the 2013 flood event we are a safer community today. It gave rise to a new risk and hazard assessment process, safer steep mountain creeks, and resulted in a robust emergency management plan for future emergencies. While we can’t prevent floods or natural disasters like this, there are things we have done to be safer and better prepared for future floods. In response to the flooding of 2013, the Town of Canmore took the following actions:

1. Conducted Forensic Assessments and Hazard and Risk Assessments on all priority creeks
2. Implemented a Seasonal High Water Monitoring Program including annual spring inspection of creeks
3. Created a Mountain Creek Hazard Mitigation Program (more info below)
4. Restored the channel on Three Sisters Creek in 2013
5. Restored the channel on Pigeon Creek in 2014
6. Restored and armored the channel of Cougar Creek and installed a debris net upstream in 2014, and upgraded culvert at the highway in 2017 
7. Restored and armored the channel of Stone Creek in 2014
8. Currently constructing the Debris Flood Retention Structure on Cougar Creek
9. Updated the Land Use Bylaw to include a Steep Creek Hazard Overlay (section 7.8)
10. Updated the Municipal Development Plan to include a section on Steep Creeks (section 3.5)
11. Updated the Engineering Design and Construction Guidelines
12. Installed weather monitoring equipment at both the Civic Centre and above Cougar Creek

Watch a presentation containing details of all actions above (beginning at 2h:02m).

Mountain Creek Hazard Mitigation Program

The goal of the program is to install infrastructure that protects the community against these potential larger events that may occur in the future. Below you will find the Hazard & Risk Map, as well as information on Cougar Creek, other creeks and other creek resources. 

Hazard & Risk Map - Canmore's Mountain Creeks