Alberta’s 2019 Budget includes more than $43 million for 15 projects that will increase flood resilience in municipalities and Indigenous communities across the province.
“Albertans have seen first-hand the devastating impacts flooding can have on families, communities, and our economy,” said Jason Nixon, minister of environment and parks. “That’s why improving flood resilience in communities across Alberta is so important. Confirming provincial funding ensures these important projects remain on schedule and that our municipal and First Nations partners have an opportunity to apply for federal funding, which could further leverage the province’s investment.”
Municipalities will receive previously committed funding, although the disbursement schedule for the two Calgary grants has been modified to provide the province additional budget flexibility. Now, $10 million of Calgary’s $15 million in approved grants will be disbursed in fiscal 2020-21. The revised disbursement schedule will not affect project timelines or the city’s ability to apply for federal funding.
The approved grants in the 2019 Budget include:
- More than $6.5 million for a flood protection berm to protect the lower townsite in Fort McMurray.
- $1.1 million for the construction of berms, creek capacity upgrades, and improved drainage to prevent flooding in Sexsmith.
- Over $1 million towards the construction of a new stormwater facility in Westlock.
“The ACRP project funding is critical to seeing our flood-mitigation plan come to successful completion in a reasonable timeframe,” said Kate Potter, mayor of the Town of Sexsmith. “We are so pleased to see this announcement and credit Minister Nixon and his staff for this great decision. As a small, northern community, we often feel the focus of government decisions rests with larger municipalities or those closer to the central region but this renews our hope for ongoing strong partnership and support.”
Since the inception of the Alberta Community Resilience Program, the province has provided more than $230 million to municipalities and First Nations for flood-resilience projects that will help ensure public safety, protect critical municipal infrastructure, and better manage stormwater. Overall, 49 municipalities and four First Nations have received funding through the program.
