2:15 p.m., June 20, 2013 The City has declared a State of Local Emergency.
To address the safety and security of citizens in low-lying areas, mandatory evacuation orders have been issue for six communities along the Elbow River.
The communities of Mission, Elbow Park, Stanley Park, Roxboro, Rideau and Discovery Ridge are being evacuated immediately.
Residents are encouraged to find shelter with family or friends for the next 72 hours minimum. Reception centres have been set up for residents who cannot find alternate accommodations.
Reception centres have been set up at Southland Leisure Centre, 2000 Southland Dr. S.W. and at Acadia Recreation Complex, 240 90 Ave. S.E.
People are encouraged to take identification, prescription medications and other critical personal items such as prescription glasses or infant needs with them when they leave their residents.
Members of the Calgary Police Service, Calgary Fire Department, Animal & Bylaw Services, Calgary Search and Rescue, Canada Task Force 2 and The City’s Corporate Security team will be going door to door in those communities to notify residents of the evacuation.
Calgary Transit and Access Calgary are on standby to evacuate those residents who cannot leave on their own. Please identify yourselves to the emergency responders going door to door.
Residents will not be allowed access to those communities after 3 p.m.
People with pets are encouraged to leave them with family or friends. If that option is not available, people can take their pets to the Animal Service Centre, 2201 Portland St. S.E.
Further information will be made available and posted on Calgary.ca as it becomes available.
10:16 a.m., June 20, 2013 Pursuant to Section 21 of the Emergency Management Act (R.S.A. 2000 Ch. D-13) and Section 4 of The City of Calgary Bylaw 25M2002, a State of Local Emergency (SOLE) has been declared in The City of Calgary effective 1016h, June 20, 2013.
The decision was made by Deputy Mayor Richard Pootmans and Ald. John Mar to declare a SOLE based on the potential severity of the incoming high river flows in conjunction with expected heavy rainfall.
The City of Calgary has begun to implement its flood response plans with the deployment of sandbags and temporary dams at key locations to protect property and infrastructure. The City is working to ensure the safety of Calgarians and asks for their patience and cooperation during this time.
Citizens are reminded to:
•Stay away from rivers and creeks as the water is rising and moving quickly, and banks may be unstable.
•Avoid storm water ponds and storm drains, and do not let children play near them.
•Do not drive through flooded areas such as underpasses.
•If you experience basement seepage or overland flooding, call 3-1-1 to report.
•If you or someone else is in imminent danger, call 9-1-1. Remember that 9-1-1 is for emergencies only; please use 3-1-1 for reporting non-emergency issues.
•Monitor local media and City of Calgary messages.
For more information on flooding, please visit calgary.ca/flooding.
The City continues to monitor flows and precipitation and will take appropriate action as required. Updates will be provided throughout the day.
State of Local Emergency declared
