CALGARY, Alberta, June 24 (UPI) -- Most of the residents evacuated after massive flooding in Calgary, Alberta, were allowed to return home Monday, the city's mayor said.
"I am happy to announce today, right now, that every single family home outside of the downtown is open for families to return home," Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi said.
About 11,000 residents in downtown Calgary are still without power after several days of soaking rains combined with melting snow flooded much of the city and surrounding areas.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corp. said 2,500 volunteers showed up at McMahon Stadium Monday to help evacuated people begin the process of returning home and starting the cleanup process.
Additionally, the 101st Calgary Stampede, a massive rodeo and livestock exposition held every July, will go on mostly as planned. Stampede officials told the CBC they've pumped thousands of gallons of water out of the stadium where the rodeo is held. The parade that marks the beginning of the festival, which normally generates $300 million in economic activity, will be rerouted in some places but will go on as well.
"Throughout our entire history we have never canceled a show, despite two wars and a Great Depression -- 2013 will be no exception," Stampede President Bob Thompson said.
