Strengthening flood resilience in Edmonton to protect local communities

EDMONTON, March 11, 2019 /CNW/ - Now more than ever, communities need help adapting to the frequent and intensifying weather events caused by climate change. Reducing the impact of natural disasters such as flooding is critical to keeping Canadian families safe, protecting local businesses and supporting a strong economy and middle class.

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, today announced funding for several important flood mitigation projects in Edmonton.

Work includes building new dry ponds in Edmonton to reduce storm water overflows on city streets in times of heavy rainfall.

Work will also be carried out at the Rossdale and E.L. Smith water treatment plants to relocate electrical assets and prevent backflow in the pipes that discharge into the North Saskatchewan River, protecting drinking water that reaches an estimated 1.2 million residents in the greater Edmonton area. New embankments will also be built on the water treatment plant properties to reduce on-site flooding.

The third component of the projects involves improvements and upgrades to outfall structures that release storm water into the river to help control heavy water flow.

Once complete, this project will significantly increase the community's resilience to flooding, reduce the number of residents who go without essential services during these incidents and cut long-term economic recovery costs.

The Government of Canada is contributing $53,766,000 to this project through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.

Quotes

"Taking concrete steps to adapt to the impacts of climate change is more and more essential to ensuring a safe prosperous future for our kids and grandkids. By investing in this important flood protection project, we are helping Edmonton get ahead of the problem. The work will help keep drinking water clean, make sure residents have uninterrupted access to essential services, and greatly reduce the costs of recovery following extreme weather incidents."

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Extreme weather is becoming more severe, more frequent, more damaging and more expensive because of climate change. By investing in the infrastructure that protects our neighbourhoods, businesses, and families, we are building communities that can withstand future natural disasters and thrive for generations to come."

The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety

"Local government works on the front lines every day to keep communities resilient in the face of a changing climate but we cannot do it alone. That's why we are so thankful for the Government of Canada's investment in these flood mitigation projects as they will go a long way in keeping Edmontonians safe for years to come."

His Worship Don Iveson, Mayor of Edmonton

"EPCOR is focused on building up Edmonton's resilience to future flooding, and mitigating the impacts of climate change and severe weather. This investment by the Government of Canada supports our work and the critical water infrastructure we operate. It represents a significant commitment to the future of our communities."

Stuart Lee, President & CEO, EPCOR Utilities Inc.

Quick facts

• The Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) is a $2-billion, 10-year program to help communities build the infrastructure they need to better withstand natural hazards such as floods, wildfires, earthquakes and droughts.
• DMAF is part of the federal government's Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, which is providing more than $180 billion over 12 years for public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and rural and northern communities.
• Investing in green infrastructure that helps communities cope with the intensifying effects of climate change is an integral part of Canada's transition to a more resilient, low-carbon economy, which is among the commitments made under the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.

Associated links

Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/dmaf-faac/index-eng.html 

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html 

Investing in Canada plan project map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html

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Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

For further information: Ann-Clara Vaillancourt, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-697-3778, [e-mail]; Cheryl Oxford, Media Relations Manager, Office of Mayor Don Iveson, 780-496-8104, [e-mail]; Media Relations: Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [e-mail]

Related Links

www.infrastructure.gc.ca