Calgary emergency shelter damaged in 2 separate floods

Discovery House, which assists Calgary families fleeing domestic violence, suffered a set back during the recent cold snap that damaged its shelter and office.

A Calgary emergency shelter that assists families fleeing from domestic violence was seriously damaged in not one but two floods in recent weeks.

Officials with Discovery House say recent swings in temperatures caused pipes to burst on Jan. 22 and again on Feb. 3.

Damage from the pair of incidents was severe, with drywall on many walls and ceilings needing to be replaced.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

Thirteen apartments, offices, meeting and counselling spaces were flooded.

All the families that were displaced following the floods have been relocated.

Operators say they will get back to regular operations and fully restore the damaged areas, but the incident came at a time when they were attempting to renovate the property.

“Our building is a little older and getting worse for wear and there’s lots of things that need to be replaced,” said Discovery House’s executive director Leslie Hill.

“This obviously will cause some unexpected expenses for us.”

Hill says the damage is still being assessed and she is working with the organization’s insurer.

In the meantime, Discovery House is accepting donations from anyone willing to help.