Timeline of Events: Turner Valley Region

Heavy rain that impacted much of southern Alberta in mid-June contributed to high water levels in rivers such as the Sheep River that passes through the town of Turner Valley.  The river breached its banks on the morning of June 19th, destroying roads, bridges and causing damage to basements in the southeast portion of the town [1]. Major infrastructure damage ensued when flood waters eroded parts of the Decalta Bridge and Black Diamond Bridge on Highway 22 further disrupting traffic flow and isolating the community. Approximately 80 people were evacuated from the Town of Turner Valley due to flooding and a nearby natural gas leak caused by passing debris. 

A local state of emergency and evacuation orders kept Turner Valley residents away from immediate danger over the course of the flood. The aftermath brought many residents together to help one another recover from the impacts of the flood. 

Sources

  1. Rollie, Tammy. “Turner Valley residents no longer cut off.” Okotoks Western Wheel. Published June 26, 2013. Accessed November 8, 2013. http://www.westernwheel.com/article/20130626/WHE0801/306269984/-1/whe/turner-valley-residents-no-longer-cut-off

Share this Post:

Photograph of WaterPortal Board Member Ross Douglas

Ross Douglas

Board Member

Ross has extensive executive experience in Operations, Governance, Information Technology and Strategy at the board and senior management level including Mancal Corporation, Mancal Energy, Highridge Exploration and Atlantis Resources. He has worked in Oil and Gas, Coal, Commercial Real Estate, Portfolio Management, Recreation, Retail and Water and Wastewater Treatment. His experience is also geographically diverse having overseen operations in Canada, the United States, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. Additionally, he has been on the board of companies with operations in Argentina, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Kazakhstan, and Russia. He has served on numerous Public, Private and Not for Profit Boards across a number of industries.

Ross has been active on several industry Boards and committees including the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and The Schulich School of Engineering Industry Advisory Council at the Schulich School of Engineering.

Photograph of WaterPortal Board Member Brian Mergelas

Brian Mergelas, PhD, ICD.D

Board Member

Brian is a seasoned Cleantech entrepreneur with a proven history of successfully bringing complex water technologies to the market.   With over 25 years of experience, he has led various organizations to achieve significant milestones in the industry. 

Having started as the founding CEO of the Pressure Pipe Inspection Company (PPIC) and later taking the helm at the Water Technology Acceleration Project (WaterTAP), Brian’s entrepreneurial spirit has been instrumental in driving innovation and growth within the sector. 

He is an active investor in the cleantech sector and has served on many boards including the Ontario Clean Water Agency. 

Actively engaged in industry associations like AWWA, WEF, IWA, and ASCE, Brian enjoys collaborating with fellow professionals to promote advancements in the field. 

Brian holds an undergraduate degree and a PhD in Physics from Queen’s University, which has provided him with a solid technical foundation.   As a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors, he brings valuable insights to corporate governance.