City officials announced that the Sunnyside flood barrier construction is now complete. The project is operational and protecting the community.
The new 2.4-kilometer barrier protects Sunnyside and Hillhurst from severe one-in-100-year flood events. Crews spent a decade planning and building the $73-million infrastructure upgrade.
The defense system combines permanent concrete walls, underground metal sheeting, and removable flood gates. This design blocks rising river waters while preserving easy access to the waterfront.
“The completion of the Sunnyside Flood Barrier is a major achievement for Calgary,” said Mayor Jeromy Farkas. “This project strengthens our ability to withstand future flood events.”
Beyond safety, the project upgraded popular community spaces. Crews added wide pathways, nine seating areas, food truck stalls, and planted 200 new trees.
The project also enhanced four key public spaces, which include the Calgary Soldiers’ Memorial, Peace Bridge North Shore, 7 Street N.W. lookout and Prince’s Island Pedestrian Bridge & Bow River access.
With $1.3 billion invested in flood mitigation and resilience projects throughout Calgary, flood damages have been reduced by $118 million each year. Additionally, the city’s flood risk has dropped by 70 percent since the 2013 flood.
Landscapers will complete final pathway work and tree planting by late October.
For latest information about the project, visit www.calgary.ca/sunnysidebarrier.
