Timeline of Events: Millarville
Located north of Black Diamond and Turner Valley is the small community of Millarville that experienced significant damage and destruction as a result of the June 2013 floods. While Millarville has been impacted by flooding in 2005, 2007, 2011, and 2012, the 2013 floods proved to be the most damaging to the hamlet. Specifically, Threepoint Creek that runs near Millarville was transformed into a raging river during the floods and caused massive damage to homes, the TransCanada Pipeline, local water wells, riverbanks, Millarville Racetrack, and the local Millarville Farmers Market[1]. The intersection of Highway 22 and Highway 549 West was also significantly damaged after the river breached its bank[2]. In addition to the water damage, massive trees and debris were left behind once flood waters subsided resulting in significant clean-up efforts and costs.
As flood waters quickly approached on June 20th, 2013, Millarville and the town’s residents were forced to evacuate, however, many people were unable to evacuate in time. For this reason, a number of air lift evacuations were performed to get individuals safely out of harm’s way[3]. While residents were able to evacuate safely, the damage and destruction to Millarville was extensive.
[1] E-mail correspondence with resident of Millarville. March 13, 2014.
[2] Millarville Residents Flood Association. Accessed May 14, 2014. http://www.millarvilleresidentsfloodassociation.com/who-we-are.html
[3] Patterson, Don. “Province provides $800,000 for Threepoint Creek flood work.” Published December 18, 2013. Accessed May 14, 2014. http://www.westernwheel.com/article/20131218/WHE0801/312189994/-1/whe/province-provides-800000-for-three-point-creek-flood-work