Remembering the Flood of ’74: Building the Living Levee

When: Saturday May 4th, 2024 1 pm & 2:30 pm (30 min)

Where: Entrance of McDougall Cottage, 89 Grand Ave S, Cambridge

Walk Leaders: Rebecca Smithers and Philip Klassen-Rempel

Forever etched in the memories of long-time Cambridge residents is the Great Flood of ’74. On May 17th of that year, the spring melt and weeks of rainy weather had caused the water levels in the Grand River to rise to record levels; there was little that could be done as the water poured over the banks and into Cambridge, overwhelming Galt and communities further south. It was the worst flash flooding in twenty years, causing nearly $34 million in damage. In the aftermath of that historic flood, and to reduce the risk of future flooding, the Cambridge Living Levee was constructed along the river to protect Galt’s historic downtown core. Plan to join McDougall Cottage staff on Saturday, May 4th for an enlightening ½ hour Jane’s Walk. We’ll travel the path of the levee to explore this excellent example of human adaptation to flooding hazards, and learn how the levee continues to preserve the community around us.

Be sure to check out the other great events at https://www.firehallmuseum.ca/events.html as we remember The Great Flood of ’74 – Cambridge’s Watershed Moment.