Friday, January 30, 2026
The government of Alberta is investing $5.3 million to build wetlands across the province.
The investment will be through the province’s Wetland Replacement Program and will add 67 hectares of new wetlands across central and southern Alberta.
“The seven projects will help strengthen our natural flood and drought defences, improve water quality and support healthier communities,” a government of Alberta release said.
“Restoring wetlands is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce future flood and drought risks. These projects show what’s possible when governments, local partners and landowners work together. By rebuilding wetlands where they matter most, we’re creating a stronger province,” provincial minister of environment ands protected areas Grant Hunter said.
The projects receiving funding in fiscal year 2025-26 are:
- Parkland County – $343,750 to construct a 1.25-hectare wetland northeast of Spruce Grove
- Strathcona County – $2,424,467 to construct an 11-hectare wetland north of Sherwood Park
- Sturgeon County – $414,975 to construct a 1.65-hectare wetland northeast of St. Albert
- Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area – $267,232 to construct a 1.1-hectare wetland in the conservation area
- Ducks Unlimited Canada – $1,933,985 to construct three wetlands totalling 52.11 hectares in partnership with private landowners southeast of Holden, southwest of Youngstown and southwest of New Sarepta
“Strathcona County is pleased to partner with the Government of Alberta on this important investment in wetland replacement. Wetlands play an essential role in sustaining the natural systems that support our communities. Together with the province, we are restoring landscapes that will benefit residents, wildlife and the long-term health of our ecosystems,” Strathcona County mayor Rod Frank said.
“This investment supports our long-standing commitment to land stewardship and watershed health. By restoring wetlands at the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area, we are strengthening biodiversity, improving water quality, and creating healthy landscapes that support local communities, landowners and shared environmental outcomes across the region,: Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation CEO Ryan Casswell added.
