Flood mitigation is Fort McMurray’s largest and most expensive urban construction project.
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River breakup is complete. Ice in the Athabasca and Clearwater rivers is moving easily, and there is no longer a risk of ice jams causing flooding in Fort McMurray.
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The municipality is still warning people to keep a safe distance from the rivers during the next few days. Chunks of ice are passing through Fort McMurray during the next few days and the river flows quickly in some areas.
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“Flooding caused by ice jams is impossible to predict, so we need to be vigilant every spring, but I’m happy to report that we had a relatively smooth river breakup this year,” said Jody Butz, the RMWB’s regional fire chief and emergency management director, in a Thursday statement. “We sincerely appreciate the efforts of residents to stay informed and personally prepare.”
Crews are removing the temporary inflatable flood protection berms deployed near shorelines. The plan is to open traffic as soon as possible, but crews are hoping traffic will return to normal before the Victoria Day long weekend. The interim clay berms will remain until the municipality’s flood mitigation projects are fully built.
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Flood mitigation is Fort McMurray’s largest and most expensive urban construction project. As of the end of 2023, the total price tag is expected to be more than $117.4 million. Budget 2024 included $33.8 million for construction. The temporary measures cost the municipality more than $5.4 million this year.
Most flood barriers and berms surrounding downtown, Waterways and TaigaNova Industrial Park will be finished by 2026. The barrier stretching along Clearwater Drive from Riedel Street to Longboat Landing—known as Reach 6—will be finished by 2028.
The federal and provincial governments have contributed a combined $20 million. Mayor Sandy Bowman and administration hope to secure more funding, and administration has applied for a $40 million grant from the federal government.
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vmcdermott@postmedia.com
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