‘Layers of readiness’ needed to mitigate floods in Alberta, symposium hears

CALGARY – Alberta Premier Alison Redford says municipalities can’t be looking out for just their own interests when it comes to rebuilding after the massive June flood.

She says while some solutions will need to be local, the entire watershed must be considered.

Redford says progress won’t be made if a bunch of individual decisions are made without looking at the big picture.

The premier was speaking at a symposium where experts are discussing ideas on how to lessen the damage the next time there’s a major flood in the province.

She says there needs to be layers of readiness that range from individual homeowners to major government projects such as building dams and berms.

Redford says 2013 will be the year that everything changed for Alberta and was a reminder of the “startling brutality” of water.