Article – I’ve spent the last week talking with homeowners across northwest Calgary, where hailstorm recovery has become something of a grim seasonal ritual. Standing on Jeanne Laliberte’s driveway in Panorama Hills, the damage from last month’s storm remains painfully visible – shredded siding, pockmarked windows, and a garden that looks like it went through a food processor.
“This is the second major claim in three years,” Laliberte tells me, gesturing to her damaged property. “My premiums were already up 32% after 2021. I’m afraid to even ask what happens next.”
She’s not alone in her concerns. The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has just released updated figures showing June’s devastating Calgary hailstorm has generated $164 million in insured damages – nearly double initial estimates from just weeks ago.
The dramatic increase reflects a troubling pattern in Calgary’s relationship with severe weather. What began as an $85 million preliminary assessment has morphed into something far more consequential for both residents and the insurance industry.
Rob de Pruis, National Director of Consumer and Industry Relations at IBC, explains the steep climb in damage assessment: “Initial estimates often capture immediate, visible damage. As claims processing advances, we discover structural issues, hidden water damage, and supply chain complications that drive costs significantly higher.”
The June 18 storm swept through Calgary’s northern communities with particular fury. Golf ball-sized hail hammered neighborhoods including Panorama Hills, Country Hills, and Coventry Hills for approximately 15 minutes – brief but brutal. Over 17,000 insurance claims have been filed so far, with property damage accounting for about 80% of the total, and automotive claims making up the remainder.
For perspective, this storm’s $164 million damage assessment doesn’t approach Calgary’s catastrophic 2020 hailstorm, which resulted in $1.3 billion in insured losses – the fourth costliest natural disaster in Canadian history. But insurance experts warn the frequency of these events is creating a compounding effect on the market.
Walking through a Country Hills strip mall where contractors were replacing damaged siding, I spoke with Alexa Castillo, a senior claims adjuster with more than 15 years of experience in the Calgary market.
“We’re seeing an unsustainable pattern,” Castillo said. “Premiums are rising 15 to 30 percent annually in high-risk zones, deductibles have doubled for many homeowners, and some properties are becoming nearly uninsurable without significant modifications.”
Climate scientists at the University of Calgary have been tracking these weather patterns closely. Dr. Mohammad Safaei, a meteorologist who studies severe storm systems in Alberta, told me these events are showing concerning trends.
“What makes Calgary particularly vulnerable is its geographical location,” Dr. Safaei explained. “The proximity to the Rocky Mountains creates ideal conditions for supercell thunderstorms. Climate change is amplifying these effects, making hailstones larger and storms more frequent.”
The numbers support his assessment. According to Environment Canada data, Alberta experiences more hail events than any other Canadian province, with Calgary sitting in a region nicknamed “Hailstorm Alley.” The city has faced six major hailstorms since 2010, with total damages exceeding $4 billion.
This meteorological reality is reshaping Calgary’s real estate and insurance landscapes. New building codes now require impact-resistant roofing materials in certain areas, while some developers are advertising “hail-resistant communities” with specialized construction techniques and materials.
At a community meeting in Coventry Hills last week, about sixty residents gathered to discuss collective solutions. Many expressed frustration over insurance companies pushing for standard repairs rather than upgrades that might prevent future damage.
Martin Rivard, a retired contractor attending the meeting, shared his experience: “I wanted impact-resistant shingles that would stand up to these storms, but my insurance only covered replacement with the same standard materials. It feels like throwing good money after bad.”
The provincial government has taken notice. Alberta’s Ministry of Finance announced earlier this month that it’s reviewing insurance regulations specifically around severe weather events. The review will examine whether insurance companies should be required to offer discounts for preventative upgrades.
Pete Karageorgos, Director of Consumer Relations at IBC, explained the industry perspective: “Insurance works by spreading risk across many policyholders. When events become so frequent in specific areas, that fundamental model breaks down. We need solutions that involve insurance companies, government, and homeowners working together.”
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce estimates hailstorms now cost the local economy an additional $50 million annually in lost productivity, beyond direct damages. Businesses report increased operational disruptions, with some companies losing up to three business days following major storms.
For everyday Calgarians like Jeanne Laliberte, the technical details of insurance policies and climate science matter less than the practical reality of protecting their homes.
“I’m installing steel siding this time,” she told me as we finished our conversation. “It’s coming out of my savings, and yes, it costs more. But I can’t keep doing this every two years. Sometimes you have to protect yourself when the systems around you can’t keep up.”
As cleanup continues across the city’s northern communities, the question isn’t whether another major hailstorm will hit Calgary, but when – and whether the insurance industry and homeowners will be better prepared next time.
