Mutual Aid Agreement with City of Calgary supports storm clean up efforts

Public Service Announcement

Mutual Aid Agreement with City of Calgary supports storm clean up efforts


The City of Edmonton and the City of Calgary have established a temporary mutual aid agreement following recent back-to-back severe weather events.

The damage to Edmonton’s urban tree canopy is extensive: the specialized demand for tree removal and hazard mitigation has outpaced the existing capacity of City forestry crews and local contractors. 

Certified forestry crews from the City of Calgary will begin arriving Wednesday, July 29, for a period of up to seven days. They’ll work alongside Edmonton forestry teams and private contractors to clear debris, address hazards and assist in Dutch elm disease mitigation efforts. Additional City of Calgary crews will be arriving in the coming days, including mobility and waste and recycling services crews and equipment, supported by fleet and inventory staff.

There are an estimated 12.8 million trees in Edmonton, including 380,000 maintained boulevard and open space trees. Since June, City foresters and contractors have been responding to more than 3,000 storm-related issues. In addition to hazards and blocking the mobility network, downed limbs and branches from elm trees can provide a good habitat for the beetles which spread Dutch elm disease, so prompt removal of fallen elm branches is necessary.

The City of Edmonton and its Parks and Roads Services team is extending their appreciation and deepest gratitude to the City of Calgary and its teams. This rapid mobilization is a powerful example of Alberta municipalities working together in times of need.