Designing sustainable flood mitigation solutions to protect a vulnerable area in Fort McMurray

Flood Mitigation - Reach 11

Running between the Clearwater River and the Waterways neighborhood, Saline Creek Parkway and Draper Road have a history of flooding, with 17 notable floods since 1835. To mitigate future flooding events and their impact on the Waterways community, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo established the Reach 11 Project, a southmost section of berm construction to protect the municipal infrastructure. They engaged our team to help.

Our design raises Saline Creek Parkway and Draper Road above the 1 in 200-year flood elevation and includes construction of storm ponds, control structures, and outfalls. The realignment of the roads allows for the design and construction of an all-season dog park and new access points for river boat launch locations.

When completed this fall, Fort McMurray residents will have better protection from flooding with a side benefit of improved recreation opportunities.