A look back at Calgary's June floods and forward into the future

June 20 started out like any other day in Calgary. With showers in the forecast, parents saw their children off to school with umbrellas in hand and rain boots on their feet, then began their own daily commute along Calgary's soon-to be rain-soaked streets.

Little did they know that by the end of weekend, much of their city would be left underwater during what's since been dubbed the "100-Year Flood."

With power outages across the city, primarily in the downtown core, and with flood waters converging on the Calgary Municipal Building, it was up to information technology staff to keep the City online - primarily from Calgary's Emergency Operations Centre, but also from staff's own homes.

CREBNow recently sat down with the City's Heather Reed-Fenske, manager IT and Doug Hodgson, director IT and here's some of what they had to say regarding the June 2013 flood.

Alberta Premier Dave Hancock and Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi addressed media today concerning flood erosion, recovery and mitigation projects completed or underway in the city.

Here are some quotes from the scrum:

Celebrating recognition of heritage conservation, the Calgary Heritage Authority Lion Awards are introducing a new category this year.

In the wake of the flooding in June 2013 the awards, taking place July 31, are introducing a sub-category for flood recovery.

The one-year anniversary of the Calgary flood is upon us and the City is encouraging local communities to celebrate the spirit of Calgary on Neighbour Day June 21.

A release from the City asks Calgarians to join with their neighbours in their given community whether it be for a block party, a barbecue or a neighbourhood cleanup. 

For those affected by, or interested in learn more about flooding, the City is hosting two sessions to provide information on what people can do about flood potential this year.

Staff from departments such as the Calgary Emergency Management Agency, Calgary Fire Department, Development and Building Approvals, Water Service and Water Resources, Finance and Supply, Community and Neighbourhood Services and the Flood Recovery Operations centre will be at the sessions to answer questions.

The Alberta Government is moving forward with preliminary design, environmental review and community consultation on water diversion and other projects along the Elbow and Highwood Rivers.

"Our government is committed to ensuring Albertans are protected as much as possible from future flood events while at the same time respecting taxpayers dollars," said Robin Campbell, minister of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development.

The Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA) recognized CHBA – Calgary Region with a community service award for their efforts during the 2013 flood.

The award is meant to recognize outstanding contributions made by local and provincial home builders' associations to the betterment of the way of life for the people in their community.