August 2013 Newsletter

It's amazing how a few days can change things.

On Wednesday June 19th, 2013, people leisurely crossed the Bow River Pathway Bridge linking Ward 14 to Douglasdale through Mallard Point in Fish Creek Provincial Park. On the evening of June 20th the waters of the Bow River rose to surround the Ward 14 side of the bridge completely, leaving onlookers to take pictures from the new shoreline 50 feet away. 24 hours later, the Bow River Pathway and Mallard Point had succumbed entirely to the Bow, with the banks lapping onto the concrete where Canyon Meadows Drive meets Fish Creek Park - just metres from homes in Deer Run. Communities upstream reeled in the devastation of the worst flood in Alberta's history. Downstream, Medicine Hat braced for the same. In High River, scuba-divers searched homes for those unable to make it out in time.

As I write this, Calgary remains in a state of emergency, and my staff and I are still weeks away from returning to our offices in Old City Hall. But considering the magnitude of this disaster, we in Ward 14 must consider ourselves fortunate. Apart from damage to a few businesses, flooding of some of our beloved parks, and temporary loss of power to some areas, Ward 14 has remained relatively untouched by flooding. Whatever the damage, we will rebuild in the months to come.

During the flood, Calgarians showed a spirit that I know has existed for as long as the City itself. It is something that a few days and a flood could not change. Parkland held a fundraiser for flood relief, the Silverado Community Association organized a group of volunteers to help all within a week of the flood, and that is just what I am currently aware off. It makes me so proud. Thank you to everyone for the way you handled this disaster.

We take care of our own in Calgary, and as I've mentioned before we will help take care of our hard working community associations at my Ward 14 communities BBQ. They have been a huge help during the flood and they deserve a hand themselves. There will be FREE burgers for all, and lots to keep you occupied. You can also pick up a free community association membership while you are there. So please join me between 11am and 2pm on Saturday, September 21st, in the Southcentre Mall parking lot. We will celebrate the wonderful communities we live in.

You can always contact me at 403-268-1653, and eaward14@calgary.ca. Stay strong and safe citizens of Ward 14. You are the reason this is the best place in the world to call home.​