Global Calgary is taking our show on the road to the banks of the Bow River in the East Village to mark the five year anniversary of the flooding that devastated Calgary.
On June 20, 2013, the unprecedented flood crisis started to unfold in southern Alberta with thousands of people being forced from their homes.
It ended up being one of the costliest natural disasters in Canadian history and the mitigation efforts to prevent similar disasters continue five years later.
WATCH: From recovery to resilience, Calgarians have come back stronger after the devastating flood. Here’s Christa Dao with what’s been done and how businesses are remembering that day. remembering that day.
Global Calgary will be broadcasting from an area where the Bow River had been raging, chewing away at the banks.
Join Scott Fee and Linda Olsen as they talk to emergency officials and Mayor Naheed Nenshi about those devastating days in 2013 and how things have changed since.
WATCH: Calgary’s community spirit a big part of helping the city pull through during the 2013 flood.
We meet with homeowners impacted by the flood waters to discover what challenges they encountered in the rebuilding process and in dealing with insurance.
We will also find out about the recovery efforts of a condominium complex that was hit hard by the flooded Elbow River. When water filled the underground parking garages, it caused $13 million in damage. We’ll hear from the board about the extensive and costly changes the complex had to make.
WATCH: From the frontlines: What it was like for first responders during the 2013 flood and how much they have learned since.
We will also revisit the town of High River — the scene of some daring helicopter rescues and volunteer evacuations. We’ll hear from people who continue to feel anxious at the sight of rain in June and find out about the measures the town has taken to help restore a sense of security.
In Bragg Creek, the flood waters have long since subsided, but projects meant to better protect the hamlet are still in the works. We will also visit an iconic business to find out how its owners are reflecting on the fifth anniversary of the devastating disaster.
When the river started to flood the Calgary Zoo, staff raced to move animals to higher ground. We will find out what it took to transfer lions, tigers and bears to a safe place as the emergency unfolded.
WATCH: Homes flooded, businesses under water and bridges shut down. That’s just some of the devastation Calgary saw in 2013 when the Bow and Elbow rivers flooded. Heide Pearson takes a look by the numbers.
Finally, we’ll hear stories of heroism from the manager of a hostel in Calgary who sprang to the rescue when the building full of unsuspecting tourists started to fill with water.
For all of these stories and more, tune in to Global News Morning, Global News at 5 and the Global News Hour at 6.