Growing Through Adversity

There are few greater examples of the community's dedication to Communities in Bloom than the town-wide cleanup effort following the devastating summer storm of July 16th, 2020.

Winds of up to 210 km/h caused widespread damage across town. Almost 25 percent of the town’s mature trees, including two-thirds of the trembling aspens planted along 45 Avenue, were felled by the storm. Power outages and a gas leak off Range Road 242 occurred as a result of falling trees and power lines. Several houses were damaged, as well as the Millet School Bell Kiosk, Millet Agriplex Sign, and the water reservoir building. The reservoir building lost its roof in one of the most extreme incidents of damage.

A64.2020.249 - The Millet Agriplex sign, damaged by the storm.

A64.2020.113 - Trees downed along 45 Avenue.

A64.2020.153 - The white spruce tree in the Seeder Bed along Highway 2A, felled by the storm. Christmas lights had been kept on the tree and illuminated in April to boost town morale in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A64.2020.260 - The Millet Water Reservoir, its roof torn off by winds of up to 210 km/h.

A64.2020.167 - The Chamber of Commerce Planter was heavily damaged by the storm.

A64.2020.143 - a fallen tree in Millet Community Cemetery which knocked over several gravestones on the east side of the site.

Town of Millet Staff, Millet in Bloom, and community residents, with help from crews from FORTISAlberta, ATCO, and the cities of Wetaskiwin and Leduc, rallied together to begin cleanup. The Millet Agriplex parking lot was converted into a dropoff site for fallen trees and branches, which were later turned into mulch that was given away to Millet residents free of charge.

A64.2020.284 - Carol Sadoroszney taking part in cleanup.

A64.2020.291 - Community members and Millet in Bloom volunteers helping clean up following the storm.

A64.2020.384 - The pile of mulch made from fallen trees and branches that had been taken to the Millet Agriplex parking lot.