Constant flooding on property near Okotoks leaves couple frustrated
CBC News | Posted: August 7, 2016 6:45 PM | Last Updated: August 7, 2016
Murray and Liz Slezak say a nearby development on former wetland diverted water to their land
A couple in the MD of Foothills is desperate to stop the constant flooding on their property, but a local councillor said there is no easy fix.
When Murray and Liz Slezak bought 12 acres of land near Okotoks almost 15 years ago, it was supposed to be a little piece of paradise — complete with a meadow and trickling stream.
The couple, both in their late 70s, said the field behind their home has constantly flooded over the past decade, and they blame it on water being diverted.
Development in '90s
They said land was filled in when a nearby development was built in the 1990s in a wetland area, causing water to flow to their property.
"It goes down the ditches into one slough, under the road through a culvert, into another slough and then across the field here," said Liz.
The couple said they have spent nearly $50,000 on repairs in the past decade and want the MD of Foothills to step up.
Pumps
According to the area councillor, it's not that easy.
"From our perspective, unless we could reach agreement with the residents along that water drainage area to allow us to put in a drainage easement and a maintenance easement to go along with it, there's nothing we can do," said Ted Mills.
"At this point the most logical thing for us to do without being able to attain an easement and to make sure to protect their home is to make available pumps to pump the water off to a safe level."
The couple isn't happy with the situation or the MD.
"This will go on and on and on," said Liz. "You know, sincerely, they don't really give a damn"
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