The Day Disaster Struck
On May 17, 1974, what began as a typical sunny spring day in Cambridge quickly escalated into a catastrophic event. Ross Light, a high school student at the time, recalls the urgency as he was summoned to help clear out a business basement due to an impending flood. Moments later, he was fleeing to higher ground as floodwaters surged across the street. This day marked the onset of The Great Flood of ’74, a significant event in the history of the Grand River watershed.
Community Reflections 50 Years Later
Fifty years on, the Cambridge Fire Hall Museum hosted a gathering where community members, including Light, shared their vivid memories of the flood. Tom Reitz, a museum volunteer, described the extensive flooding along Water Street, which was completely submerged. The aftermath left the community grappling with mud and debris for an extended period, significantly impacting daily life and business operations.
The Flood’s Impact and Recovery Efforts
The flood, triggered by prolonged wet weather and spring melt, is still remembered as one of the largest in the region’s history. In response to the disaster, the City of Cambridge and the Grand River Conservation Authority have since updated their emergency plans and implemented significant infrastructural changes to mitigate future flooding risks. These include the construction of concrete berms and earthen walls, and dredging of the river to deepen it, aiming to protect the downtown core of Galt from similar devastation.
Preserving the Memory
In an effort to preserve the history of The Great Flood of ’74, Rob Brisson, Board Chair of the museum, emphasized the importance of collecting stories and experiences from those who witnessed the event. The museum plans to compile these accounts, along with a presentation by engineers involved in the river’s remediation, into a historical collection. This archive will be entrusted to the City of Cambridge Archives, ensuring that the legacy of the flood and its impact on the community are remembered for generations to come.
