Alberta Parks issues state of local emergency in Kananaskis Country

Heavy rain and localized flooding have stranded many people in Kananaskis Country, prompting Alberta Parks to issue a state of local emergency for the area. (Supplied/Tom Graham)

The Alberta provincial government on Monday issued a state of local emergency in Kananaskis Country because heavy rainfall and flooding have affected roads and recreation areas.

“Emergency teams are coordinating response efforts through the activated Kananaskis Region Emergency Coordination Centre, supporting campground evacuations as necessary, monitoring infrastructure and maintaining road closures where needed,” officials said in a statement.

“William Watson Lodge is available as a temporary shelter for those in the area who require a safe, dry place to stay.”

Alternate space is being made available at the Peter Lougheed Provincial Parks Discovery Centre.

• Sign up for breaking news alerts from CTV News, right at your fingertips
• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

Alberta Parks says the weather system affecting the area is the same one that caused problems in Canmore.

Access is limited in several areas of Kananaskis Country and officials believe “some individuals may be currently unable to leave due to road conditions.”

“People already in the area are asked to remain where they are, and visitors are encouraged to postpone travel until conditions improve,” officials said.

Multiple bridges have been washed out, while other road crossing are covered with mudflows.

“We are working closely with Alberta Transportation and their contractor, Volker Stevin, to clear that mud flow,” said Michael Raycroft with Alberta Parks.

“We’ve been able to reopen one lane of Centennial Drive across the bridge over the Ribbon Creek drainage.”

• Check the latest forecast and more on the CTV News Calgary weather page

Raycroft estimates there are about 1,500 people currently stranded in the area due to weather.

Five hundred guests at the Pomeroy Lodge are now safe after the building was evacuated by crews on Monday.

Meanwhile, many more campers are still stuck, including those in backcountry areas.

“We are not aware of any serious injuries associated with the flood event over the last 24 hours,” Raycroft said.

No evacuations have been initiated in any of the areas and officials say all affected campers are staying put for the time being.

No one has had to be airlifted from the area.