The provincial government is making new investments it believes will make Alberta more naturally drought-resistant and create a more modern water-management system to support growing communities.
Officials say Alberta’s population continues to rise, increasing the demand for water from communities and businesses. At the same time, parts of the province have experienced droughts or water shortages in recent years and are at risk of a severe drought this year. Experts warn that action is needed to better share, store, conserve and manage water.
If Budget 2024 passes, the Alberta government says it would invest more than $35 million to help maximize how water is used and help prevent future droughts from affecting communities. Officials say creating a 21st century water-management system and healthy, thriving wetlands and watersheds should provide long-term drought protection and help the economy continue to grow.
“We must find new and better ways to reduce the impacts of droughts and make every drop of water count,” says Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. “That’s why we are taking action to improve wetlands and transform how water is managed in our province. This funding would help maximize Alberta’s long-term water supply to ensure communities and businesses thrive.”
Improving water management and conservation
According to the provincial government, as part of the $35 million, Budget 2024 includes $23 million over three years for improving the province’s water management system, increasing water availability for communities and businesses. They say this funding would be used to advance four pillars of the province’s water strategy:
- Water storage: $4.5 million would be invested to study a new Ardley Water Reservoir in the Red Deer Basin. Alberta would also launch a province-wide review to determine other areas where new water storage projects would be most beneficial.
- Water management: The province would conduct a detailed review of the current water management and regulatory system to identify new opportunities to better utilize water.
- Water conservation: The province would work with water users and partners to identify new ways to improve water conservation, efficiency and productivity.
- Real-time data and information: The province would continue modernizing Alberta’s water management information system to allow real-time, digital information that is available anytime, anywhere.
Officials say more information about these initiatives will be released as projects and programs unfold.
Improving wetlands and watersheds
Wetlands and watersheds provide useful, natural protection against drought. They help store water during rains and spring runoff, and can help maintain water levels in rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. They can also help cool and humidify surrounding areas and maintain healthy ecosystems.
The government says it is also investing $8.7 million for the Wetland Replacement Program and $3.5 million for the Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program to improve Alberta’s natural drought protection.
The Wetlands Replacement Program is designed to help municipalities and non-profit organizations construct or restore wetlands in Alberta. Officials say these partners work with private or public landowners to restore wetlands that were previously drained, partially drained or filled-in, and to fund construction of new wetlands in appropriate sites.
Officials say the Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program provides grants to support projects that reduce the intensity, magnitude, duration and effects of flood and drought. They point out that previous grants have helped restore riverbanks, stabilize stream banks, improve natural drainage and support outreach and public education.
“This announcement of additional funds for wetlands and watersheds would help in efforts to combat the ongoing drought,” says Jim Fisher, VP of Canadian policy, Delta Waterfowl. “Utilizing a mix of farm communities, local government, watersheds and non-profits to deliver these important projects is a prudent investment by the province to ensure we are managing limited water resources as effectively as we can.”
“Wetland replacement and watershed restoration programs are an excellent investment in our natural infrastructure. These projects will enhance Albertans’ ability to mitigate against drought and floods while enhancing our natural environment and water quality. It’s a win-win approach,” says Andre Asselin, executive director of Alberta Water Council.
“The Bow River Basin Council applauds this investment,” says Mike Murray, executive director of the Bow River Basin Council. “It would build upon previous work and maintain the momentum necessary to build resilience for our communities. The Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program and the Wetland Replacement Program have been key components in maintaining and improving Alberta’s natural drought protection.”
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