Canmore Ends State of Local Emergency as Recovery Effort Begins

The Town of Canmore has rescinded its State of Local Emergency after flood conditions eased across the community, marking the end of the town's emergency response and the beginning of what officials describe as a recovery phase.

The declaration, lifted Tuesday at 12:18 PM, comes two days after heavy rainfall prompted evacuation alerts, road closures and flood watches for steep creeks throughout Canmore.

While most of the emergency measures have now been removed, town officials say the situation has not fully returned to normal.

Crews continue to inspect infrastructure damaged by high water, and residents are being urged to stay away from creek embankments and the Bow River, where erosion has left sections of shoreline unstable.

"We ask that the public respect all trail and road closures as crews and first responders evaluate infrastructure and roadways," the Town said in a Tuesday update. "Embankments around all steep creeks and the Bow River are unsafe."

Most roads closed during Sunday and Monday's storm have now reopened.

The only remaining road closure is along Palliser Trail between Cross Zee Ranch and the Highway 1A interchange at Harvie Heights. Eastbound traffic remains open east of Cross Zee Ranch, but westbound traffic beyond the ranch remains prohibited.

Several recreational areas have also reopened, though two closures remain in effect.

The Cougar Creek pathway between Elk Run Boulevard and the flood mitigation dam remains closed, along with the Bow Valley Trail dog park.

Town Calls Out People Ignoring Trail Closures

As recovery work continues, the Town also publicly criticized people who ignored safety barriers to access the closed Cougar Creek trail.

In a Facebook post Tuesday, officials shared photos showing people walking beyond the closure despite caution tape and barricades blocking access.

"Walking around the closure puts you at risk and creates unnecessary demands on first responders and crews who are still monitoring stream flows and infrastructure demands from the rain," the Town wrote.

Officials said significant erosion has occurred along Cougar Creek and warned the area remains unsafe.

"One of the best parts of Canmore is the way our community comes together," the post continued. "Be a person who adds to that instead of the person who ignores public safety closures because your curiosity is stronger than your judgement."

Although the emergency declaration has ended, officials continue to urge residents and visitors to exercise caution around rivers and creeks as recovery work continues throughout the community.