Budget 2024’s targeted investments in municipal infrastructure will improve water treatment and support Alberta’s growing communities.
EDMONTON, AB – As Alberta’s population continues to grow, so does the need for improved water and wastewater infrastructure. That is why Alberta’s government is once again increasing funding for grant programs to better manage water resources and support the growing water infrastructure needs of municipalities. If passed, Budget 2024 would provide $481.9 million in grants for municipal water programs over three years, an increase of $73.9 million from 2023.
“Alberta’s government recognizes the huge demand for water that comes with a growing population,” said Devin Dreeshen, Minister, Transportation and Economic Corridors. “Through Budget 2024, we are helping municipalities by funding new and repairing old water systems. I’m proud that through water, road, transit and bridge grants, my department funds nearly $1 billion per year to municipalities.”
Alberta’s government recognizes that water is a vital resource. To continue attracting investment and development, municipalities need modern and efficient water treatment facilities, including high-priority water supply projects, water and wastewater treatment plants, and disposal facilities in small communities.
“Municipalities need to expand their water facilities so they can continue to provide clean water to their growing communities,” said Nate Horner, Minister of Treasury Board and Finance. “But these projects also support the entrepreneurs, businesses and industries that are keeping our economy humming – and will help municipalities attract even more investors. Our government is proud to provide the resources they need to expand, succeed and share in our economic prosperity.”
This funding in Budget 2024 supports the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership, Water for Life, and First Nations Water Tie-In programs. For smaller Alberta communities (population under 45,000), the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership helps upgrade water supply and treatment and wastewater treatment systems. The Water for Life program helps municipalities cover up to 90 or 100 per cent of the costs for specified projects. Alberta’s First Nations Water Tie-In funds up to 100 per cent of costs to connect a First Nation to an existing regional water system.
“These investments will ensure reliable access to clean drinking water and effective wastewater services to support Albertans in communities across the province,” said Brandon Lunty, MLA for Leduc-Beaumont. “They will promote sustainable growth, protect the environment, and ensure uninterrupted access to water for Albertans and Alberta businesses.”
These investments in water and wastewater infrastructure programs provide critical financial support to smaller municipalities to ensure Albertans in every community have the water resources needed to accelerate economic development and attract more industry investment.
Quick facts
- Total funding for each program under Budget 2024 is:
- $206.5 million for Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership.
- $237.7 million for Water for Life
- $37.7 million for First Nations Water Tie-In Program
- Water for Life allocates:
- 90 per cent funding for new systems
- 100 per cent funding for feasibility studies
- up to 100 per cent funding for upgrades to existing treatment plants
- Projects funded by the First Nations Water Tie-In Program are identified through consultation with Indigenous communities and Indigenous Services Canada
- In 2023, six projects received a combined total of $27.6 million in Water for Life grants
- A total of 47 projects received a combined total of $114.5 million in Alberta Municipal Water Wastewater Program grants.
- As of April 1, 2022, a total of 22 First Nations projects have been approved and fully committed for funding through the First Nations Water Tie-In Program.
- Applications for funding in 2024 closed on November 30, 2023 and the successful projects will be announced later this spring.
- Applications for funding in 2025 are currently open and will close on November 30, 2024.
