An influx of people moving to central Alberta has prompted the provincial government to launch a $4.5 million, two-phase, multi-year study to assess the feasibility of building a new reservoir on the Red Deer River.
The province has recently begun investigating the feasibility of the reservoir which — if deemed feasible — will be located east of Red Deer near Ardley. According to a recent release, the two-phase, multi-year study will explore the costs and value of constructing and operating the reservoir.
It will also investigate its potential impact on downstream communities, farmers and ranchers, and businesses.
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The Red Deer River supplies water to hundreds of thousands of Albertans. The provincial government hopes expanding water storage capacity will help reduce future drought risk and meet growing water demands.
“Central Alberta is growing and thriving, and we are ensuring that it has the water it needs,” wrote environment minister Rebecca Schulz.
“This study will help us determine if an Ardley reservoir is effective and how it can be built and operated successfully to help us manage and maximize water storage for years to come.”
Reservoirs play a vital role in irrigation, drought management, water security and flood protection, wrote RJ Sigurdson, provincial agriculture minister.
“Water is essential to the agriculture industry and if the past few years are any indication, we need to prepare for dry conditions. A potential dam near Ardley could enhance water security and help farmers and ranchers continue to thrive in Alberta’s unpredictable conditions.”
The first (or “scoping”) phase will review available geotechnical and hydrotechnical information and explore conceptual dam options. It will also include meetings with municipalities and water users in the area.
This phase will be conducted by Hatch Ltd., described as a “Canadian multi-disciplinary professional services firm.” That work is expected to be completed by December 2025.
The second phase will take a closer look at whether the proposed dam can be safely designed and built. Community and environmental impacts will also be assessed.
