CALGARY – The City of Calgary remains in a state of local emergency, which was declared on June 20th due to significant flooding, and officials say it will remain in place until at least July 4th.
Outdoor water restrictions are still in place, but Calgarians are now allowed to use watering cans to tend to their lawns and gardens. However, Mayor Naheed Nenshi is asking people not to use sprinklers and hoses.
He reminded people to avoid rivers and river banks over the long weekend and to “not be a Nenshi noun.”
“Stay away from the river banks. Period,” he said, during a news conference on Friday afternoon.
A number of evacuees will also be moved from community centres over the weekend, and into high schools and the University of Calgary dorms.
Power outages
Only areas in two Calgary communities remain without power; the East Village and Downtown Core East.
There are about 470 customers without power in those two areas, including hotels and businesses.
However, Enmax announced on Friday morning they are cautiously optimistic the entire power grid will be restored by Saturday morning.
Power was restored in the communities of Mission and Cliff Bungalow at 8 p.m. on Thursday, restoring electricity to some 2,700 customers.
CLICK HERE for a list of current power outages throughout Calgary
WATCH: ENMAX CEO says she is cautiously optimistic that power will be restored to Downtown on Saturday
Clean up
The city has helped 95 per cent of homes, where residents requested assistance pumping water. They continue to help, and are now offering the service to businesses affected by flooding. Call 311 to request service.
A large waste bin has been set up in the Cecil Hotel parking lot at 3 St. and 5 Ave. SE, where people can dump garbage. Click here for more information on garbage collection.
How to help
Community cleanup operations involving volunteers who were recruited at McMahon stadium Monday are now underway.
The overwhelming response from Calgarians who signed up earlier this week to volunteer means no additional volunteer resources are needed for Elbow Park and Mission at this time.
Due to the significant amount of progress made on cleanup in Bowness, that community is no longer part of this specific program.
The city is asking those interested in volunteering for flood cleanup to e-mail volunteer@calgary.ca
People can register as individuals or groups. Include your name, phone number and availability in your e-mail. Alternatively, call 403-587-7817.
The city is not currently looking for specific skill-sets (plumbers, electricians) but rather generalists.
Calgary clean up: A list of businesses, organizations offering to help
Red Cross contact information
To make a donation please call 1-800-418-1111 or go online to redcross.ca.
Those looking for family members who have been forced to leave their homes are asked to call 1-866-696-6484.
The Calgary Blood Donor Clinic will be open for business as usual on Tuesday. Call 1-888-2 DONATE or go to www.blood.ca to book appointments to donate.
The Red Cross has also released a Flood Recovery Guide.
Steps for re-entry and self-assessment:
1. Go to re-entry centre in your community (Your community centre)
2. If your road and sidewalk is dry, proceed to the residence.
3. If there are no flood waters present when you open the door, proceed to your basement.
4. If, in your basement, there are no waters above electrical outlets you may proceed with a self-assessment.
5. If the sidewalk and road are NOT dry, there are any flood waters when you enter your home or if water is at or above your basement electrical outlets, leave IMMEDIATELY.
Assess if gas or electricity are needed to be turned on or water pumping is needed.
Residents without power, gas or who need pumping are now asked to visit community support centres, instead of posting a sign in the window of their home.
Support Centres will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Bowness Community Association – 7904 43 Ave N.W.
- Cliff Bungalow/Mission Community Association – 2201 Cliff St S.W.
- Elbow Park Tennis Club– 800 34 Ave S.W.
- Park Hill Stanley Park Community Association – 4013 Stanley Rd SW
- Hillhurst/Sunnyside community Association – 1320 5 Ave NW
- Sing Tao Daily Newspaper– 116 3 Ave SE
Damage Assessment Form available for building owners.
Parking
The City of Calgary has put a courtesy towing plan in place to gain access to affected neighbourhoods to collect refuse, pump water and manage utilities where necessary. Your vehicle will be towed a short distance – around the block, or down the road. There will be no fee or tickets, but your car will be moved. If you can’t locate your car you can the Calgary Parking Authority Dispatch Line at 403-537-7100.
Mayor Nenshi says all money collected through downtown parking revenue will be donated to Calgary flood relief.
Property Taxes
Property taxes are still due on Friday, and can be paid at a number of stations throughout Calgary
Property Taxes: What you need to know
Water
There have been reports the water smells bad, which is due to the disinfecting agents and chemicals that the city is using to clean the water.
Safety
Many people are using gas and diesel-powered generators to pump water out of basements or for other clean-up. Do not run those generators indoors or near air intake systems.
Calgary International Airport
Operations at Calgary International Airport remain on schedule, and surrounding roads to the airport remain unaffected. Please continue to check yyc.com for up-to-date flight information.
Saddledome and Calgary Stampede
City officials say that despite the vast damage to the Saddledome and Stampede Park, the Calgary Stampede is still a go. The Stampede is scheduled to start in less than two weeks.
Calgary Zoo
The Calgary Zoo has announced several animal deaths due to the flooding.
GALLERY: Calgary Flooding
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