Go Back to News Listing

Flood Mitigation Efforts

Posted on
The recent storm in Edson highlighted the immense power of nature and the vulnerabilities within our community. The Town of Edson is fully committed to tackling these challenges by enhancing infrastructure, offering support, and assisting residents in safeguarding their homes against future flooding.

For more detailed information, please refer to our Flood Mitigation FAQ sheet, which is available as a downloadable PDF here.

Flood Mitigation Efforts:

The Town of Edson is actively working to reduce the risk of flooding through various infrastructure upgrades and maintenance efforts. This includes improving our sewer systems, implementing backflow prevention programs, and enhancing our drainage systems. Our goal is to better equip our community to handle heavy rain events and minimize potential damage.

Town’s Response to the Recent Storm:

During the recent storm, the Town of Edson responded promptly to the challenges posed by heavy rainfall. Crews were dispatched to clear fallen trees, pump water, and remove debris from drainage points to mitigate flooding impacts. Immediate site inspections were also conducted to assess any damage and ensure that our drainage systems were functioning effectively.

What Residents Can Do

While the Town of Edson is doing everything possible to manage flood risks, homeowners also play a crucial role in protecting their properties:

  1. Install a Backflow Preventer: These devices are essential for preventing sewage from backing up into your home during heavy rain or pressure build-ups. Our subsidy program can help offset the cost.

  2. Maintain Your Sump Pump: Ensure your sump pump is operational, especially before the rainy season, and consider adding a battery backup to keep it running during power outages.

  3. Keep Drains and Gutters Clear: Regularly clear your gutters, downspouts, and storm drains of debris to ensure proper water flow away from your home.

  4. Review Your Insurance Coverage: Make sure your homeowner’s insurance includes flood protection. If it doesn’t, consider adding coverage to protect against future flooding events.

Sanitary Sewer Backflow Installation Program

In response to the flooding issues and to help residents safeguard their homes, the Town of Edson has expanded our Sanitary Sewer Backflow Installation Program. This initiative provides a subsidy to cover 50% of the installation cost for backflow preventers and sump pump systems. Here’s how the program works:

  • Eligibility: The program is available to residents on a first-come, first-served basis until the allocated funds are depleted. Apply early to secure your spot.

  • Property Inspection: A Town representative will conduct an inspection to assess your property and recommend the best flood prevention solutions. This includes a detailed camera inspection of your sewer lines.

  • Installation and Reimbursement: After receiving approval, hire a licensed plumber to install the recommended devices. Once the work is complete, submit the paid invoice to the Town for reimbursement of 50% of the cost.

  • Required Paperwork: To participate, homeowners must complete and submit the necessary application forms, inspection checklist, and plumber’s invoice. All relevant documents and information can be found and downloaded here.

Stay Informed and Prepared

The Town of Edson is committed to keeping our community informed about ongoing and future flood mitigation efforts. Here’s how you can stay up to date:

  • Website Updates: We’ll post regular updates on our website, including progress reports on infrastructure projects and new initiatives.
  • Public Notices: Look out for notices about upcoming construction activities or major maintenance that could impact your area.
  • Council Meetings: Attend or watch Council meetings to stay informed about future projects and budget decisions related to flood mitigation.

Common Flooding Concerns

We know that flooding can be concerning, especially when you see parking lots and streets filling with water. Several factors, including high winds, intense rainfall, and infrastructure limitations, can impact storm sewer performance during a storm. We’ve detailed these issues and more in our Flood Mitigation FAQ sheet, available for download here.

Contact Us

If you have immediate concerns or need to report flooding issues, please contact:

  • Public Works Department: (780) 723-6461
  • To report property damage: Town Office at (780) 723-4401 Ext 121 or email flood@edson.ca
  • For emergencies: Call 911

The Town of Edson is here to support you. Together, we can work to protect our homes and community from future flooding events. Thank you for your continued cooperation and resilience as we move forward.