A voluntary evacuation remains in place for residents of Bow Meadows, Crawford Ranch, Riverview and West Terrace Point near the water plant in Cochrane.
A voluntary evacuation remains in place for residents of Bow Meadows, Crawford Ranch, Riverview and West Terrace Point near the water plant in Cochrane.
Cochrane Fire Chief Mac deBeaudrap advised residents during a press conference at the RancheHouse the morning of June 21 to stay away from the water.
All evacuees are asked to register at Frank Wills Memorial Hall, located on 1st Street next to the RCMP station.
Residents of Bragg Creek remain under a mandatory evacuation because of rising water levels and flooding in the area. Those living in West Bragg Creek remain under a voluntary evacuation.
Anyone evacuating West Bragg Creek are asked to place an 'X' on their door with chalk, tape, or any well-visible material to let emergency workers know the house is empty.
Rocky View County (RVC) and the Town of Cochrane have both issued a state of emergency due to increased flooding and rising water levels throughout the region.
Fortis Alberta cut power in the Bragg Creek area June 20 for safety reasons, leaving the community in the dark overnight.
The county is asking that all Bragg Creek area residents evacuate and remain at Springbank Park for all Seasons if they are unable to stay with a friend or relative in the area. Residents are advised to pack light and remember to take any medications they may need.
Chief deBeaudrap said yesterday (June 20) that water levels in Jumping Pound Creek and the Bow River were rising, but there was no imminent flooding risk at that time.
Indications this morning have revealed the Bow River may rise another 30 cm by noon today.
Last night (June 20) several volunteers and emergency workers placed sandbags along Jumping Pound Creek to alleviate potential flooding to the area.
"The people of Cochrane should be commended for their volunteerism and commitment," said deBeaudrap.
If a mandatory evacuation is called, deBeaudrap said the town would broadcast the announcement widely through local media and the town's social media outlets and would go door-to-door.
Volunteers and donations are no longer required at this time and there is no boil water advisory in Cochrane, as water quality remains high.
"Travelling the area is not recommended," said deBeaudrap, "particularly into Calgary."
Airdrie sent a fire crew to Cochrane June 20 to ensure there was fire protection in the community while local personnel were helping elsewhere.
All Cochrane firefighters are safe at this time.
"I have never been prouder of our guys," said deBeaudrap. "They're putting heroic efforts in doing recues in Bragg Creek."
At approximately 1:30 p.m. June 20, two Cochrane firefighters and two rescuees had to be saved from fast-flowing water on White Ave. in Bragg Creek near the Bavarian Inn.
Cochrane, Redwood Meadows and RVC Emergency Services conducted several rescues in Bragg Creek throughout the day.
Redwoood Meadows Emergency Services' deputy fire chief George Low said Cochrane Fire Services assisted with Zodiac boats to rescue people who were trapped in their houses and could no longer be reached by land.
"We've got county resources as well as Redwood resources," said Low June 20. "At this stage it's pretty fluid, as long as it keeps raining the water's not going down, so we're trying to stay as reactive as possible."
Water levels continue to rise in and around Bragg Creek today.
Morley is also experiencing flooding, with Cochrane RCMP on scene yesterday and Volker Stevin also assisting in the Stoney Nakoda community.
The Town of Cochrane continues to monitor high stream flows and is advising residents to be vigilant of water levels in their area.
Canmore, High River and Turner Valley have declared state of emergencies.
Highway 1, 1A and 40 are all closed to traffic.
The Town of Cochrane has set up a command centre at the RancheHouse to address this emergency.
