In the wake of severe storms that struck Tofield, Alberta, in late June, the town is now assessing the extensive cleanup required following significant flooding. Mayor Adam Hall reported that approximately 20 cm (8 inches) of rain fell in the area, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency that was lifted on July 5. While the floodwaters have mostly receded, the community faces months of recovery ahead.
The Aftermath of Heavy Rain
Mayor Hall provided an update on the current situation, noting that while the water around local businesses has largely disappeared, residual pockets remain. “The water that was south of the tracks has mostly receded around the businesses there,” he stated. Hall added, “We’re just seeing movement of water mostly on the west end of town coming from the county. The creeks are full and they’re flowing, but they’re going where they’re supposed to be going, which is good.”
Despite the challenges posed by the flooding, Tofield’s infrastructure, including the sewer system, held up well during the storm. However, some roads leading to the town’s lagoon and certain rural routes in the surrounding county require repairs. Hall remarked, “There are a few roads that needed to be fixed, but here in town, it’s mostly just local businesses and residents that are cleaning up.”
Community Spirit Shines Bright
Among those affected was Tofield Packers, a meat packing business that found itself encircled by floodwaters. Owner Jill Lungal and her family worked tirelessly for three days to fortify their premises with sandbags, successfully keeping the bulk of the water at bay. “We had sandbags all the way around our building. We had multiple sump pumps, pumping water away from the building,” Lungal explained. “We were just really battling to keep the water out of the coolers, out of the drains. That would have caused us a lot of grief.”
Thanks to the swift actions of health inspectors, Tofield Packers was able to resume operations shortly after the storm passed, with the primary damage occurring to the parking lot. “The parking lot’s obviously a little rough and the asphalt — that kind of thing. That stuff’s not easy enough to fix, but it can be fixed. I’d rather that than the inside of the building,” Lungal noted.
Community Support Makes a Difference
The community’s resilience has been evident, with numerous volunteers stepping in to assist those impacted by the flooding. Lungal expressed her gratitude, saying, “Friends, family, community members, customers that just showed up with either pumps or sandbags or just two hands and two feet, willing to do whatever, definitely saved us. It’s a miracle our building is OK.”
As Tofield moves forward, Mayor Hall emphasised the importance of learning from this experience. Discussions are already underway regarding preventive measures, including the installation of culverts and improvements to local infrastructure to mitigate future flooding risks.
Why it Matters
The flooding in Tofield serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by extreme weather events, an increasingly common occurrence in many regions. As communities grapple with the impacts of climate change, the need for robust infrastructure and effective emergency response plans becomes ever more critical. Tofield’s path to recovery not only highlights the strength of community ties but also underscores the importance of proactive measures to safeguard against future environmental challenges.