We had been expecting the word; evacuations were back in the news in parts of Canada. New Brunswick was experiencing flooding while heavy rains continued to drench the region. It brought to mind the 2013 floods in Alberta, the devastation in High River, sections of Calgary and outlying areas.
A friend was in Calgary to attend an awards ceremony at her grandson’s school. She ended up evacuating her daughter’s family instead, driving them to one hotel after another before finding a safe spot. Her brother was busy relocating their dad at the same time.
While I resided for over a decade along the banks of the Peace River in northern Alberta, we were frequently on flood watch. We lived across the river in an area called West Peace. Farther down Shaftsbury Trail another subdivision hugged the banks but it was located on much higher ground then ours was.
Because of a history of flooding, a good dike system had been constructed the length of our neighbourhood. Shortly after our arrival the entire stretch had been upgraded, raising the level another four feet or more. The dikes were assessed and inspected regularly, checked for erosion and cracking.
As our home sat well below the level of the bank, we were often completely unaware of the breakup of the ice. It would melt and degrade and simply flow along with the fast-moving current. On other occasions we witnessed massive chunks rolling end over end. The ice structures were like massive houses or liners, crushing and ramming into one another, jamming under the bridge, the main connector between the parts of our town. The bridge was also a part of the main highway, a vital access.
We experienced evacuation on one occasion but never were witness to actual flooding. What does one take with only 10 minutes' warning? We quickly packed two suitcases, for two adults and two young children. We began moving precious items out of the main floor into the upstairs.
Surprisingly we managed to relocate quite a lot of our possessions. I can’t really say “our treasures” because in an emergency situation, what really is all that important?
Not many years after we returned to Olds, the Peace River town flood prevention system failed and the downtown was overwhelmed. Many residences and businesses were severely damaged and many workers were suddenly unemployed. It took several years to repair and redevelop the area.
In the face of each new crisis that we are seeing today, it becomes our responsibility to assist those in need. We live our lives focused internally, unaware of those around us until we see such devastation. Now is a good time to take account of how we should be living. Now is the time to give back some of the blessing we have received.
– Hoey is a longtime Gazette columnist
