The complete washout of 137 Avenue did not happen without warning. Residents had raised concerns about erosion, drainage capacity, public safety, and the condition of the culvert for several years before the roadway failed in July 2026.
This timeline documents the known concerns, communications, construction activity, road closure, washout, and continuing efforts to obtain answers and accountability.
June 2023 — Erosion Concerns Raised
Concerns were raised about erosion near the pedestrian bridge and the culvert carrying Horseshoe Creek beneath 137 Avenue.
Visible issues included:
Residents began contacting public officials and documenting changes at the site.
May 18, 2024 — Concerns Sent to Councillor Andrew Knack
An email was sent to Councillor Andrew Knack outlining concerns about erosion, the exposed utility cable, and the deteriorating conditions around Horseshoe Creek and 137 Avenue.
The communication asked that the site be investigated before conditions became worse.
A second email was sent after the erosion continued to expand.
The follow-up emphasized the growing safety risk and the need for action to protect the roadway, pedestrian bridge, nearby trail users, and surrounding area.
EPCOR confirmed that:
Despite this acknowledgment, the culvert was not replaced before the roadway failed in July 2026.
Throughout 2025, the undersized culvert remained beneath 137 Avenue while the surrounding area continued to experience development, increased drainage demands, and changing creek conditions.
The replacement project had still not been completed.
Residents continued to question why a known and expanding erosion problem had not been addressed.
Spring and Early Summer 2026 — Continuing Monitoring
Residents continued observing and documenting conditions near the culvert, pedestrian bridge, roadway, and Horseshoe Creek.
Concerns included:
Late June 2026 — Water Levels Rise
Heavy rainfall caused water levels in Horseshoe Creek to increase significantly.
The area upstream of 137 Avenue began backing up as water struggled to pass through the existing culvert.
Flooding expanded across the upstream area and affected nearby pathways and low-lying land.
Traffic changes were introduced as conditions worsened and work around the site increased.
The closure affected an important east-west connection between 199 Street and Starling Drive. The roadway previously carried approximately 5,400 vehicles per day, based on 2023 traffic information.
Residents were redirected through surrounding neighbourhoods and arterial roads.
Late June 2026 — Water Levels Rise
Heavy rainfall caused water levels in Horseshoe Creek to increase significantly.
The area upstream of 137 Avenue began backing up as water struggled to pass through the existing culvert.
Flooding expanded across the upstream area and affected nearby pathways and low-lying land.
Traffic changes were introduced as conditions worsened and work around the site increased.
The closure affected an important east-west connection between 199 Street and Starling Drive. The roadway previously carried approximately 5,400 vehicles per day, based on 2023 traffic information.
Residents were redirected through surrounding neighbourhoods and arterial roads.
Late June 2026 — Water Levels Rise
Heavy rainfall caused water levels in Horseshoe Creek to increase significantly.
The area upstream of 137 Avenue began backing up as water struggled to pass through the existing culvert.
Flooding expanded across the upstream area and affected nearby pathways and low-lying land.
Traffic changes were introduced as conditions worsened and work around the site increased.
The closure affected an important east-west connection between 199 Street and Starling Drive. The roadway previously carried approximately 5,400 vehicles per day, based on 2023 traffic information.
Residents were redirected through surrounding neighbourhoods and arterial roads.
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