It has taken some time and a concerted effort, but most of the Waterton Lakes National Park facilities that were damaged by a storm that dumped nearly 8 inches of rain on the Canadian park in less than 24 hours have been repaired and reopened.

Repairs have been completed to all campgrounds and most trails and roads in the park located in Alberta. Work to repair the Akamina Parkway, which sustained the heaviest damage, starts this week.

The Akamina Parkway is still temporarily closed because of dangerous road conditions. This closure includes all trails from the parkway, and applies to hikers, cyclists, equestrians, and vehicles.

Waterton Lakes’ trails have been assessed, and current conditions can be found at “Trail Report.” The trail crew is moving quickly to make repairs to damaged trails, and advises visitors to use caution on some trail sections.

To help alleviate traffic problems on the Red Rock Parkway, a shuttle service started June 29 from Tamarack Outdoor Outfitters, for a fee.

Parks Canada brought on extra manpower and equipment to quickly repair and open facilities. Already, the Red Rock Parkway was cleared of all flood debris and damage and opened, a retaining wall was installed to stabilize the failed slope near the Visitor Centre, and the sewage lagoon dike was stabilized and repaired.

Within days of June 19’s heavy rains, which caused all three campgrounds to be closed and evacuated, they were open again.