Draft engineering reports and flood maps from the provincial Drumheller flood study were published on Monday, November 30 by the Government of Alberta, and they are asking the public for feedback.
The main focus of this engagement is to receive technical feedback on the draft reports and maps, however, the Ministry of Environment and Parks will consider any feedback received.
“Public engagement is an important part of our study finalization process,” said Jason Penner, communications advisor for Alberta Environment and Parks. “This is an opportunity for the public to review our work and provide feedback regarding factual errors or omissions to help ensure the study is technically sound. More generally, this is also an opportunity for residents to learn more about how flood maps are created for their community, and understand the value of flood maps in improving public safety.”
Drumheller’s flood study was one of 21 studies conducted by the province across more than 60 municipalities over the last year.
The local study began in the spring of 2018 and was completed in the spring of this year. Data from the April 2018 flood was collected and used to calibrate hydraulic models used to simulate open water flooding of the Red Deer and Rosebud rivers and their tributaries, to ensure accuracy.
In total, 56 kilometres of the Red Deer River, 10 kilometres of the Rosebud River, along with Kneehills Creek, Michichi Creek, and Willow Creek tributaries were assessed in the provincial study.
“We understand Drumheller and its residents are working hard to improve flood resiliency,” Penner added. “Some of the draft information from the new study has already been shared with and considered by Drumheller as part of its ongoing flood mitigation efforts (between October 2019 and May 2020). Designs for new flood berms may consider additional information from the study as we move through the study finalization process.”
The reports from the two-year study are detailed and technical, and each are more than 100 pages in length; those who do not wish to read through the detailed reports can still get involved by viewing the interactive flood map online. Residents can complete the survey by going to alberta.ca/drumheller-flood-study-engagement
The draft map shows areas of Drumheller which would be affected or protected in 13 different flood events.
This is the first phase of engagement and is open to the public until January 15, 2021. Future engagements are planned for 2021.

Drumheller Town Council approved the 2021 Utility Rate Bylaw with a five per cent hike in water rates and a two per cent rate hike for wastewater.
    During the Regular Council meeting on December 21, Council approved the bylaw. This follows the financing strategy, which began many years ago to help make the water utility financially self-sustainable.
    “The utility system is a vital part of the Town’s infrastructure, and it is imperative to put money aside each year to deal with the depreciation of this infrastructure and any expansion or requirements because of new environmental regulations. This financial plan is on track, however, there is still work to do, especially on the sewage system,” explained Darryl Drohomerski, CAO of the Town of Drumheller.
    For residential property, the fixed rate for water goes from $15.48 to $16.25 and the fixed rate for wastewater goes from $13.61 to $13.88. The rate for water usage rate went from $1.9713 to $2.0699 per cubic meter, a rise of five per cent. The wastewater rate, billed at 80 per cent of consumption, went from $2.1881 to $2.2316 per cubic metre, an increase of two per cent.
    A residential family using 15 cubic metres of water a month would see their bill go from $84.92 to $87.96.
     “Administration works hard to ensure efficiencies are made whenever possible, however, it is vital to put money in reserve to make investments where needed to maintain the safety of our drinking water and keep this plan on track,” added Dave Brett, Director of Infrastructure Services.