Fort Macleod evacuees return home

Through the mud and debris residents in Fort Macleod say there’s a silver lining.

Oldman River reached its peak in the town Friday, causing multiple road and bridge closures.

But in its path was a community built in the river valley.

“We just have a loader in here so we’re just trying to pick up the debris and re-build our road and spray down our basement,” said Claudia Steinke.

Most residents were camera shy- saying they felt their flood damage was insignificant compared surrounding Alberta communities.

The flood left behind erosion and basement floods, and took out fences.

“This area is very gravel structured and it’s draining extremely fast,” said Mayor Shawn Patience. “Just this morning we’re getting in here to get an idea of what we’re dealing with. I know the residents are back in their homes and assessing the damage.”

It appears one more southern Alberta town is breathing a sigh of relief. The Oldman River is receding and the flood threat is over.

Fort Macleod residents living in the river valley admit they do have a bit of a clean up ahead of them. But despite the damage home owners say they’re not going anywhere.

“The most valuable property is by the water front, river front, ocean front, lake front. So everybody helps each other, and we know that there’s a risk to living here but it’s a risk that we all are willing to pay,” said Steinke.

“When stuff like this happens, you just expect it, you work together to clean up and you carry on.”

This community says past flooding hasn’t scared them off, and neither will this.