Alberta NDP Municipal Affairs Minister Deron Bilous answers questions from reporters in HIgh River during the flood recovery celebations hosted by the town. Photo courtesy Bruce Masterman.

High River's Mayor celebrated with a couple of thousand residents Saturday afternoon at George Lane Park.

He says marking the day of the 2013 flood will be an annual event for High River residents, but he wants the day to one of celebrating the town's strength and the resolve of residents, not one of somber reflection on the disaster.

He was joined by new NDP Municipal Affairs Minister Deron Bilous, who was quick to point out the former PC Government had every chance to mitigate the 2013 flood, but didn't.

"In two years we have learned hard, valuable lessons. The former PC Government did not adequately prepare for the 2013 flood. They waited for a catastrophe to start work on flood mitigation, and quite frankly that's just backwards."

Snodgrass says he's counting on the NDP to finish the mitigation job now.

"If you're going to be critical about what happened you've got make damn sure that you help us get out projects finished off."

Asked if he's confident that will happen, Snodgrass replied; "After that speech, I think it better."

Snodgrass says he'll push the province hard for funding for a new bridge on Centre Street and to complete the southwest diking system quickly.