In a significant move to safeguard public safety and critical infrastructure, Alberta has announced an investment of more than $30 million into community-led projects aimed at protecting against the impacts of drought and floods.
Droughts and floods have increasingly wreaked havoc across Alberta, damaging homes and businesses, disrupting critical infrastructure, and posing serious threats to public safety. To combat these challenges, Alberta’s government is channeling funds through the Drought and Flood Protection Program to support mitigation projects in 14 municipalities, two First Nations, and one Metis settlement. The investment is intended to enhance access to water during droughts and protect critical infrastructure, thereby helping homes and businesses withstand floods.
“Albertans know all too well the devastating effects of drought and flooding. Communities in virtually all regions of our province have had recent experiences dealing with these challenges. That’s why we are funding high-priority projects across Alberta, from the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement in the north to Pincher Creek and Coaldale in the south. We are investing in projects that will help protect homes, businesses, and lives,” said Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas.
RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting communities: “Our government is committed to protecting Albertans and our communities from the impacts of floods and drought. This funding will help support the resiliency of our water management infrastructure in order to mitigate risks, reduce the disastrous effects of floods and drought, and ensure that Albertans consistently have a safe supply of water available.”
Launched earlier this year, the Drought and Flood Protection Program aims to help communities design and construct projects that safeguard critical infrastructure from drought and flooding, thereby ensuring public safety.
“Alberta Municipalities welcomes the Government of Alberta’s investments in helping to mitigate the effects of natural disasters. Funding from the Province that will be used to protect Alberta’s communities from droughts and floods eases the financial burden on the already stretched budgets of local governments. Our member-municipalities know best how to invest in local infrastructure projects, so we appreciate these funds being made available for direct application to the most pressing needs,” said Tyler Gandam, President of Alberta Municipalities.
Paul McLauchlin, President of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, highlighted the importance of this funding for rural areas: “Municipalities face unique challenges managing droughts and floods. The RMA welcomes the Drought and Flood Protection Program and the benefit it will bring to rural municipalities, with $10 million of the total funding being directed to rural projects. Funding to support capital projects that improve a municipality’s ability to manage droughts or floods is critical for the long-term success of our communities.”
The first round of funding will support critical community upgrades, including:
• Installing new raw water intakes in the Crowsnest River, allowing the Municipal District of Pincher Creek to access water even during extreme drought conditions.
• Constructing a new water intake and pump house for Fort McKay’s water treatment plant, alongside infrastructure improvements to maintain operations during low river flows.
• Constructing new stormwater ponds and management improvements to increase water storage capacity and reduce flooding risks in the Coaldale and Brooks region.
• Building a flood protection berm and additional erosion control to safeguard Canmore’s wastewater treatment plant and two lift stations from Bow River flooding.
• Enhancing Stoney Nakoda Nation’s raw water intakes near Morley by upgrading the infiltration gallery and increasing withdrawal volumes for better water access.
SOURCE: Government of Alberta
