Bear River Corridor Assessment 

The Bear River is a valuable natural amenity resource for the City of Grande Prairie, offering recreation, aquatic habitats, and a wildlife corridor. As the city is centered around the Bear River, it is necessary to balance infrastructure development with the ecological health of the river to prevent flooding and ensure slope stability. Proper planning and accurate flood mapping are vital to mitigate damage to property and infrastructure, protecting the community economically, socially, and environmentally.

McElhanney Ltd. was retained by the City of Grande Prairie to undertake the 2023 Bear River Corridor Assessment. The Study area for the Corridor Assessment extends from the outlet of Bear Lake to the southern City limits near the Wedgewood neighbourhood.

The objective of the corridor assessment is to establish setbacks for development from the Bear River. By establishing setbacks, the risk of harm to the public and environment from flooding and natural slope stability mechanisms can be reduced.