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Heavy winds whipping through Calgary the last two days have created havoc for some businesses and forced the cancellation of one of Calgary Expo’s biggest events.
Environment Canada said Friday northwest winds of up to 60 km/h could gust up to 80 km/h, creating hazards for buildings and outdoor gatherings.
Organizers announced Friday morning they have cancelled the Parade of Wonders due to high wind speeds, instead moving the annual Calgary Expo kickoff to the front steps at the BMO Centre.
“Due to a rise in projected wind speeds, the POW! Parade of Wonders will now be the POW! Party of Wonders. While the parade portion of the celebration will not happen, the party will,” Calgary Expo organizers said in a social media post.
Falling debris caused by extreme gusts Thursday evening also prompted emergency crews to shut down a portion of downtown.
Around 5:30 p.m. Calgary Police said chunks of metal panelling from a Plus 15 fell onto 2nd Avenue S.W.
Calgary Fire Department Battalion Chief Mike Lazaick told CBC News crews had to close the area between 3rd and 4th streets as the specialized technical task team worked to clear the debris.
“They also have specialized tools to deal with that stuff that typical fire apparatus would not have on it,” Lazaick said. “They’re trained in special access techniques and special equipment to manage stuff like this.”
Lazaick said there have also been reports of loose construction materials blowing off some buildings in the northwest.
Since 2011, all construction sites five storeys or higher in the downtown and the Beltline are required to have an advanced weather forecasting system.
The system is designed to give builders 48 hours notice of severe wind events to ensure materials are not blown around and become hazardous to pedestrians or vehicles.
Officials said no injuries have been reported.
