As the rivers rise and rain continues to fall, Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas acknowledges the emotional toll on residents, especially those in riverside communities still haunted by the devastating 2013 flood. 'I know, having represented Ward 11 communities, that this is a deeply emotional time,' Farkas said during a press conference on Friday, May 29, 2026.
Flood Fears and Mitigation Efforts
Many residents who lived through the 2013 flood, which killed five people and caused nearly $6 billion in damage, have since moved away, unable to endure another spring of anxiety. However, Farkas emphasizes that the city is far better prepared now. 'People need to have the confidence that we're taking this seriously,' he stated. Since the 2013 disaster, the city, province, and federal government have invested $2 billion in flood mitigation measures.
Key Infrastructure Improvements
The most significant project is the Springbank Off-stream Reservoir, designed to collect and store floodwater from the Elbow River until levels subside. As of Monday morning, Farkas said it had not been necessary to divert water. Additionally, upgrades to the Glenmore Dam have increased its reservoir capacity by 10 billion litres, reducing the risk of water surging over the top.
Current Conditions and Precautions
While the current rainfall is substantial—40 to 80 millimetres since Saturday evening, with an expected additional 40 to 70 millimetres through Tuesday—it is far less than the 2013 deluge, which saw over 100 millimetres in Calgary and up to 335 millimetres in High River. Much of the precipitation is falling as snow at higher elevations, delaying runoff. Nevertheless, the Bow and Elbow rivers are above safe levels, prompting a boating advisory from the Calgary Fire Department. 'Please stay off the river for your safety and for emergency responders,' Farkas urged.
Climate Change and Preparedness
Farkas did not shy away from addressing climate change. 'I don't care who is offended by this, but climate change is real. We have severe weather events that occur here in Calgary,' he said, urging residents to stay away from riverbanks and keep children and pets safe. He stressed that emergency response systems have vastly improved since 2013, with better coordination and public information. 'We've learned from past events. We've invested in mitigation, we've improved emergency co-ordination, and we're making sure that residents have clear, practical information to protect themselves and their property,' Farkas explained.
Despite the improvements, Farkas cautioned that no city can ever be fully prepared. 'Flood preparedness is something you build and maintain continuously,' he said. Calgary has experienced major floods in 1995, 2005, and 2013, and the city is now better equipped than ever. However, as the Elbow River in Mission district remains dangerously high, and with children seen playing in the fast-moving water, the threat is ever-present. 'You never know around here,' Braid mused.
