Province selling 17 vacated riverfront properties it bought after 2013 flood

The Alberta government announced plans to put 17 riverfront properties in Calgary back on the market, a decade after purchasing them following the devastating flood in June 2013. The properties, located in affluent communities like Elbow Park, Rideau Park, and Roxboro, have been vacant since the flood-damaged homes were demolished in 2015.

Minister of Infrastructure Martin Long stated that initial preparation work, including environmental testing, is underway to ensure the land is safe for public use. The properties, no longer in flood plains due to recent mitigation efforts, will be sold as residential land with restrictions supporting single-family development.

While typically offered to the municipality first, the province plans to take a market-based approach to ensure transparency in the sale process. Listings are expected to begin in 2026, with the goal of providing fair market value to Albertans.

The Calgary River Communities Action Group (CRCAG) has advocated for the return of riverfront communities to their pre-flood state. Co-president Tony Morris expressed hope that the sale process would attract individuals interested in rebuilding these communities.

Despite significant investments in flood resiliency, including the operational Springbank Off-stream Reservoir and expanded Glenmore Reservoir capacity, Morris questioned the necessity of the province’s buyouts post-2013 flood. He acknowledged the challenges of decision-making in hindsight but emphasized the desire to see communities restored to their former glory.

In conclusion, the impending sale of these properties marks a significant step towards revitalizing Calgary’s riverfront communities and ensuring their long-term sustainability.