WATCH ABOVE: Things in High River, Alberta are finally starting to return to normal more than two years since the 2013 floods devastated the town. Global’s Jill Croteau reports.
CALGARY – Despite the slow recovery, business owners in the southern Alberta town of High River say their downtown core has transformed since the 2013 floods, and some say it’s better than ever.
Owners of Cottonwood Bridals & Formals said they never considered closing the doors.
“Every building gets re-faced or buildings get torn down,” said owner Jill Patterson. “Every time we see a fence go down or a street open, it’s exciting.”
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The floods wiped out huge pockets of downtown High River, turning it into an opportunity for a whole new concept.
“When I look at pictures before, it was solid vehicles and all you saw was tailgates and no room for people,” said Mayor Craig Snodgrass. “It’s a completely different feel; it feels like you’re welcome here. The flower pots, new lighting…it all lends itself to people-first.”
4 Avenue is the first phase of the revitalization, and it hasn’t completely rebounded. The town continues to work to earn the confidence of the residents.
“Just because we fixed the streets doesn’t mean everyone is going to flock down here,” said Mayor Snodgrass. “We have to set things up for business to succeed in town.”
Some are resistant to the change, and don’t have the same appreciation for the new design, especially when the street shuts down every Thursday afternoon for a farmer’s market.
“The rest of the time is shortage of parking; I feel sorry for businesses—they are leaving,” said High Riverite Paulette Hogge.
But business owners say they’re convinced it’s going to get better, and vow to stay.
“We’ll get through it, but it’s a community worth being in,” said Patterson.
The town says construction in the rest of downtown will continue over the next couple of years.
With files from Erika Tucker
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