Flood Mitigation Reach 11 Construction Notice

Posted November 9, 2021

Introduction

As part of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo’s (RMWB) ongoing commitment to reducing flood risk, Flood Mitigation – Reach 11 is being built to help protect the Waterways area.

A section of Saline Creek Drive is being raised and relocated to serve as a flood protection barrier. This project is being done in multiple stages, with the initial site preparation stage beginning in November 2021. Additional project details are included below.

To learn more about permanent flood mitigation, visit rmwb.ca/floodmitigation.

Area Impacted

Project Limits will be from McCormick Drive to High Ridge Access on Saline Creek Drive.

Proposed Start Date/End Date

11/3/2021 – 10/15/2023

Contractor

Pidherney’s Inc.

Project Details/Background

Phase 1 (Clearing & Outfall Installations)

The first phase of construction is happening in November. 2021 construction is focused on site preparation, including tree clearing and storm water outfall installations. This work needs to happen in the fall to keep the project on schedule and protect migrating birds that are present in the spring.

The work is happening on the highlighted locations on the map. While vegetation on the new road alignment is being permanently removed, there will be temporary construction impacts to the Sara Holden Dog Park, Raphael Cree Boat Launch and Tom Weber boat launch. There will also be intermittent detours on Saline Creek Dr. while crews connect the outfall to existing infrastructure.

Work is taking place from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday – Friday and 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Saturdays (with after hours and weekend work as required)

For everyone’s safety, please follow all construction signage, flaggers and barricades. Do not enter closed areas and keep a safe distance from equipment.

Phase 2 (Road & Flood Barrier Preparation)

Phase 2 of construction involves groundwork to begin relocating and raising a section of Saline Creek Dr. to act as a flood protection barrier. Stage 2 is expected to begin in the spring of 2022. Additional details will be shared closer to the start of the 2022 construction season.

Temporary Dog Park Changes

Effective Wednesday, November 3, the Sara Holden Dog Park north entrance is being closed. Access to the dog park will continue to be available throughout construction by the Tom Weber Boat Launch, with signage in place to direct users to the available entrances in the different stages of construction.

A temporary fence is being placed from the west dog park gate access to the inside gate accessing the south portion of the dog park. This access will be available until the end of Thursday, November 4, 2021.

By Nov. 5, the Sara Holden Dog Park will be closed for construction. The temporary dog park will be available for use before Sara Holden Dog Park closes and throughout construction.

See the Stage 1 map below for the entrance and parking location.

On Friday, November 5, the Sara Holden Dog Park will be closed. The new temporary dog park will be available starting Nov. 5, with a different entrance, located in the parking lot of the Tom Weber Boat Launch. This temporary dog park is expected to be in place until the fall of 2022 or until the permanent dog park has been restored.

The temporary dog park is identified as TSDP on the Stage 2 map below.

A fenced dog park will remain available throughout construction and after the project is complete. Dog park users can expect to see less vegetation in the area once this phase of construction is finished, and a larger area with improved trails once the entire project is complete.

Community Benefit

Flood Mitigation – Reach 11 will provide additional flood protection to Waterways and help build a stronger community.

Construction Impacts

• Road or Lane Closure
• Temporary dog park use during construction

Special Instructions for Residents

All crews are following the COVID-19 measures as per provincial and local guidelines.

For more information, please contact Pulse at 780-743-7000 or 1-800-973-9663. You can also visit rmwb.ca/construction and subscribe for updates directly to your inbox.

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Posted September 21, 2021

On December 15, 2020, Council directed Administration to determine the feasibility of a

municipal grant program for lot-by-lot flood mitigation solutions for properties in Draper

where the underside of the main floor joists is below 250.9 meters as the flood risk

treatment.

Following the public update on the Draper Grant Program on June 17, 2021, survey

data of the area was processed to generate a list of residences that are believed to

have main floor elevations at or above 250.9 meters. Resolving questions which have

stemmed from this initial review and gauging how to best balance requirements for

program eligibility for such a diverse development area is underway. This includes the

collection of more detailed survey information and the procurement of a contractor

and/or structural engineer to assess residences that are considered candidates for

raising. These assessments will support the development of a rough order of magnitude

estimate with respect to the type, scale, feasibility, and expense of a potential grant

program. The Municipality will also engage residents for their consent to enter their

homes (if needed) to complete this task. As requested by Council, survey data

assessment findings will be shared publicly prior to developing a potential grant

program.

This matter is complex and requires the support of many stakeholders and government

bodies to address challenges such as, but not limited to, contractor and/or structural

engineer’s recommendations to advise work on private property and requirements for

lot-specific mitigation work as it relates to Alberta Environment and Parks or Water Act

applications.

The development of a municipal grant program for lot-specific mitigation will take into

consideration the complexities of the situation including technical components and the

outstanding Land Use Bylaw and Area Structure Plan. The connectivity and complexity

of these matters present an opportunity to engage in shared community planning to

determine next steps and take a coordinated approach to combine all efforts regarding

this community. Recommendations brought forward will take into consideration each of

the above-mentioned priorities.

Current Status

Preliminary discussions with Alberta Environment and Parks regarding how to approach regulatory applications for lot-specific mitigation. Initial analysis of survey is complete.

The updated presented to Council on September 14, can be found here.

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Posted July 26, 2021

In March of 2021 a news release was provided indicating flood mitigation was continuing for Draper residents. The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) is developing grant program for Draper, as part of the proposed program the RMWB is surveying properties near or below the 250.9- metre elevation mark. Survey results will support assessments for flood mitigation options for homeowners, initial round of surveys have been completed