At the February 3, 2025 Regular Council Meeting, the Town’s Flood Mitigation Program presented a comprehensive update on project progress, financial details, and two Requests for Decisions (RFD) related to the Nacmine and Rosedale/Scarlette Berm projects. After careful deliberation, Council approved the construction of the Nacmine Berm for $4,303,010.41 and the Rosedale/Scarlett Berm for $6,245,230.73. Both projects were awarded to Pidherney’s Inc. following a competitive bidding process.

“Flood protection is essential for ensuring our community's long-term safety and resilience. We are committed to completing the Flood Mitigation Program as a key element of our broader flood prevention efforts,” said Mayor Heather Colberg. “The Nacmine and Rosedale/Scarlette berms represent this program's final major construction projects.”

Tree clearing for the project is scheduled to begin in late February 2025, and berm construction will start in spring 2025. The bulk of the work is expected to be completed by November 30, 2025, and any remaining landscaping to be completed in Spring 2026

As of December 31, 2024, $62 million, or 76.4% of the program's budget, had been spent over the course of the six-year program. This includes approximately $1.25M in legal and expropriation-related costs and purchasing all necessary land for the project. The final program cost is forecasted to be within the current program budget of $81.135M.

The Town has also experienced unprecedented challenges related to land expropriation and compensation claims throughout the program.

“We initially expected one or two expropriations based on similar projects in other communities, but we’ve had to negotiate land for 70 properties, of which 30 have required expropriation,” said CAO Darryl Drohomerski.

Although no claims have been tested before the Land and Property Rights Tribunal (LPRT), the outcomes, compensation amounts, and legal fees remain uncertain. Resolving these cases may take up to five years. The Town is actively working with the Province on potential expropriation costs that could be incurred.

More information about the Flood Mitigation Program can be found at floodreadiness.drumheller.ca/