WATCH ABOVE: One year after a severe storm hit Airdrie hard there are still signs on almost every street. The damage was so extensive that a year later the cleanup is far from complete.
CALGARY – After a week of severe weather in Calgary and surrounding areas, many residents are recalling a vicious hail storm that hit Airdrie, Alta. in August 2014. While Calgary’s city officials aren’t providing estimates of damage, Airdrie insurance experts said its storm cost hundreds of millions of dollars, and there are still repairs to be made.
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“Last year’s event has been the biggest event I have ever seen personally – especially in Airdrie,” said Family First Insurance spokesperson Mark Stehmeier. “The overall cost was over $450 million.”
Airdrie homeowner Tasha Palmeter said the siding on one wall and the back of her house was damaged, windows were smashed and her entire shed was destroyed.
“The contractor took a little longer,” she said. “They originally said it would be a couple of weeks of when we put in our claim but it was more like nine months.”
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Watch below: A selection of August 2014 video showing the damage from the Airdrie hail storms
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Stehmeier said when there are numerous claims, people have to wait their turn.
“So many homes were affected and that’s just – it’s a manpower issue,” he said. “There’s only so many people to do it so you have to be patient and wait your turn.”
He said he’s seen insurance policies increase as much as 150 per cent due to claims from last August’s hail storm.
Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown said he remembers thinking the hail storm was “machinery” outside his office. He said in addition to the $450 million worth of insurance claims for homes, the city buildings suffered about $4.5 million in damage.
“My house isn’t even done yet,” said Mayor Brown. “My car is getting done next Monday. I don’t know how many roofs are being done right now.
“Hopefully at the end of the summer, we’ll have all the siding replaced and everyone’s house will be back to normal.”
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Stehmeier said the insurance industry is trying to revamp the way it rates risk and is changing premiums to try to afford these types of extreme weather events.
“These events are huge,” he said.
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With files from Heather Yourex
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