Homeowner in Southern Alberta expresses worry about accumulated water close to his residence
In the picturesque Lake Newell Resort, a retirement homeowner, Grant Saretsky, is facing a challenging predicament. Over the past few years, water damage from an adjacent culvert has been causing cracks in his stucco, movement in his driveway, and issues with his home's insulation finish system.
Saretsky, who built his home in the resort back in 2009 for $525,000 with the intention of retiring there, has been advocating for changes to the culvert to improve drainage and reduce water pooling near his property. He believes that raising the culvert would help stop or reduce the worsening damage to his home.
However, the County of Newell has expressed concerns about this approach. Mark Harbicht, the director of municipal services for the county, indicated that the water level in the ditch is minimal and not currently a threat to private property. They also warn that raising the culvert would require building up the road, which could affect the adjacent intersection and may result in wasting tax dollars due to limited benefit.
The main proposed solution, therefore, is to raise the culvert for better water flow management, but this is balanced by the county’s concerns about potential road infrastructure impacts and cost-effectiveness. No other specific remediation options such as improved waterproofing of the home or alternative drainage systems are discussed in the available information.
As of July 2025, no additional proven solutions or agreed-upon remediation steps have been reported. Saretsky continues to petition for the security of his retirement property, while the County of Newell is concerned about the potential waste of tax dollars for a full construction effort on the culvert.
This news story is related to a larger issue of Calgary homes at risk of flooding. As the community grapples with these challenges, the case of Grant Saretsky serves as a reminder of the complexities and concerns surrounding water management infrastructure.
[1] Source: County of Newell meetings and correspondence, July 2025.
- Grant Saretsky, a retirement homeowner, is grappling with the impact of water damage on his $525,000 home in Lake Newell Resort, raising questions about the need for better home-improvement solutions and real-estate maintenance.
- Despite Saretsky's advocacy for a culvert raise to improve drainage and reduce water pooling near his property, the County of Newell expresses concerns about potential infrastructure impacts and cost-effectiveness, pointing towards investing in alternative lifestyle choices and home-and-garden waterproofing.
- The ongoing predicament of Saretsky's home in Lake Newell Resort serves as an example of the complex financial and infrastructure challenges that communities face when addressing water management issues, particularly in areas like Calgary prone to flooding.
