Calgary starts Sunnyside Flood Barrier project

CALGARY – The City of Calgary has begun construction of the Sunnyside Flood Barrier, which will protect the communities of Sunnyside and Hillhurst from river flooding.

The flood barrier will help control floodwaters and prevent damage such as that seen in the 2013 floods. At the same time, the barrier provides the building blocks for future climate resilience, according to a press release.

“The Sunnyside Flood Barrier is an excellent example of how we can address urgent infrastructure needs while improving public spaces. This barrier will provide much-needed flood protection and contribute to the long-term resilience, functionality and beauty of our city for generations to come,” Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek said in a statement.

The design and construction of the flood barrier is planned to build on improvements made to the area over the past decade, the press release said.

Once completed, the project will consist of a combination of permanent flood walls and sheet piles, as well as temporary deployment systems such as sandbags, water-filled pipes and demountable flood walls.

The barrier will run along the north side of the Bow River, from 14 Street NW to the west side of the Field of Crosses, the release said.

The project also includes improving the trail, including the construction of a multi-use trail along most of the project length. Connections to riverside trails will also be formalized via stairs and accessible routes.

Five specific locations along the corridor have been identified where public realm improvements are planned, including the Calgary Soldiers’ Memorial, Poppy Plaza, Peace Bridge North Shore, 7 Street NW lookout, and the Prince’s Island Pedestrian Bridge and Bow River Access, the release said.

The first phase of the $50 million project focuses on preparatory work that is nearly complete before official construction of the barrier begins.

“As the City works through the details with the design team and construction manager, we will share information about what facilitation work will take place, the schedule for the work, and any construction impacts the public can expect. During construction, efforts will be made to ensure safe, accessible, and efficient travel within the Sunnyside, Hillhurst, Kensington, and Riley Park areas,” the release added.

More information about the project is available at calgary.ca/sunnysidefloodbarrier.