The City of Calgary wants property owners to ensure buildings impacted by June’s flooding are heated this winter, to prevent further damage.
There are as many as 100 homes and businesses still unoccupied because of flood damage; the city says properties in Mission, Erlton, Bowness and Elbow Park are especially at risk.
“An unheated property might allow moisture to freeze in and around the foundation, creating what is known as frost heaving,” said Marco Civitarese, Chief Building Inspector with Development & Building Approvals. “Frost heaving can crack or even lift your foundation, causing structural damage that can leave owners with costly repairs in the spring.”
Frozen water lines and even breaks are another real risk to an unheated property this winter.
“It doesn’t take much for a water line inside a property to freeze, if the furnace isn’t working,” said Chris Huston, Field Services Manager with Water Services. “A frozen water line can quickly lead to a break that can cause extensive water damage to a property.”
The Canadian Red Cross may be able to help qualified homeowners still without a furnace with its Winter Emergency Heat Program. For more information contact the Canadian Red Cross at 1-866-696-6484.
Those unable to restore heat or considering demolishing their property are encouraged to contact 311.
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