After more than a decade of planning and hard work following the 2013 floods in partnership with the provincial and federal governments, we are proud to announce the functional completion of the Cougar Creek Debris Flood Retention Structure. This milestone will reduce the future risk and impact of flooding to our community.

The structure, a 34-meter-high rock-filled embankment, is located where Cougar Creek exits from the mountains, 600 m upstream from the Cougar Creek neighbourhood. Under normal conditions, water flows freely through an outlet at the base of the structure. However, if flood waters rise, the structure transforms into a powerful defense, slowing the flow of water and trapping large debris like boulders and trees, preventing them from reaching our community downstream.

This project to enhance Canmore’s resiliency to flooding was made possible by the contributions of more than $14.4 million through the New Building Canada Fund, $19 million from Alberta’s Flood Recovery Erosion Control Program, and $26.95 million from Alberta's Community Resilience Program. The Town of Canmore also contributed $12.3 million from its General Capital and Asset Rehabilitation & Replacement Reserves. This collaboration between all levels of government underscores the importance of shared responsibility in safeguarding communities against natural disasters.

We recognize that this journey has impacted residents, particularly those living near Cougar Creek, and we sincerely thank you for your patience and cooperation throughout this process.

While a few finishing touches, including landscaping and educational signage, will be completed by spring 2025, the Cougar Creek Debris Flood Retention Structure is now fully operational and actively protecting our community. We look forward to celebrating this major milestone with you at a public event in the spring once the final work is complete.

With the structure now complete, we expect that Cougar Creek Canyon will reopen in the weeks to come for recreational access once they complete final trail work. For status updates, visit the Alberta Parks advisories webpage.  

Learn more about the Cougar Creek Debris Flood Retention Structure.