The 2013 flood was an unforeseen disaster that took lives, destroyed homes and communities. While there were books, articles and you-tube videos that focused on the actual 2013 flooding event, there was nothing that put the flood into the broader perspective of the natural, social and built history of the city. The Flood Story website weaves together history and story to bring a broader understanding to the issue of flooding and flood prevention in Calgary. It draws on stories from communities as well as scholarly research and collaboration with major heritage organizations in the city, to provide a succinct social history though images, timelines, newspaper articles and video.

Recognizing the Library’s unique role of providing knowledge and understanding of this disaster, we decided to create an easy-to-use reference tool on flooding that could be used by schools, natural and social history buffs, as well as the general public. A historian who specializes in flood history was hired to carry out the major research, in consultation with our Local History librarian. Over a six month period, we worked with community members and organizations to gather together images, stories and facts to create the web-site. We also encouraged community members to document their stories in the “Memory Bank”.

In June 2014, to mark the first anniversary of the tragic flood, Mayor Nenshi, launched the Flood Story website. We continue to develop this living website, and in 2015 will add photos, videos and stories of flood impact and recovery in Calgary’s Chinatown. The Flood Story website exemplifies the public library at its best in bringing together community, information and stories to provide knowledge and understanding of a critical issue.