A special RMWB Council meeting has been scheduled for Monday, Jan. 23, to discuss flood mitigation options for Draper.
Mayor and councillors are expected to hear a recommended flood accommodation strategy, including discussion of a Household Flood Risk Reduction grant program.
Community members wishing to speak on the topic must register with Legislative Services.
In April-May 2020, an ice jam on the Athabasca River caused flooding throughout the Lower Township, including Draper.
READ MORE: Council calls for talks with Draper residents due to complex land issues
The Municipality appealed to the Alberta government for financial support regarding flood mitigation or support for the relocation of residents outside of the small community, but the province said there is currently no provincial or federal funding available.
Administration returned to Council with four flood mitigation options for Draper.
These included berms, the raising of homes, voluntary buyouts and mandatory buyouts.
READ MORE: Residents have mixed feelings about potential buyouts
Administration did not recommend any of the four options due to not enough municipal land for building and maintaining berms, unknown complexities and issue with raising and relocating homes, and lack of funding for buyouts.
RMWB Council will hear a Flood Accommodation option.
If approved, the Administration will be tasked with examining the cost of implementing a Household Flood Risk Reduction grant program.
Staff would return with a decision by March 14, 2023.
The special meeting is scheduled for Jan. 23 at 6 p.m.
