Alberta Opposition calls for engineering flood report

CALGARY – Alberta Opposition Leader Danielle Smith says an engineering study should be done to identify ways to reduce flood risks in the province.

Smith says the study’s findings could be used to minimize the number of people in high-risk zones who are being encouraged to relocate after last month’s flooding in southern Alberta.

Smith’s Wildrose party is making 22 recommendations on how to compensate victims and how the government can reduce damage in the future.

READ MORE: Alberta government outlines policy for building in flood-prone areas

The government has already said it will introduce legislation this fall that would ban new development in floodplains.

It has also said it will refuse government assistance to residents who insist on rebuilding in high-water areas unless they take steps to mitigate risks.

Speaking in Calgary, Smith said it’s incumbent on the provincial government to mitigate the risks – not homeowners.

For our full coverage of the floods in Alberta, click here.