The provincial government said it is investing over $28 million to help protect communities from future floods and drought.
The Pincher Creek and Taber regions are two of the areas set to benefit from the funding.
In total, 12 projects will be helped by an investment of $25 million through the ‘Drought and Flood Protection Program’, with $3.5 million going to projects through the ‘Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program’.
Communities and other partner organizations will be able to build projects that are designed to keep homes and businesses dry, roads accessible and critical infrastructure operating safely and effectively during an emergency.
PINCHER CREEK
The Municipal District of Pincher Creek is set to use its $1,222,731 grant to make improvements to the Therriault Dam’s emergency spillway to ensure safe operation during a 100-year flood.
“Because we’re in the headwaters of the Oldman River basin, our municipality feels the impacts of both drought and flooding,” said M.D. of Pincher Creek reeve Rick Lamire.
“Drought and Flood Protection Program funding has been important in helping us manage those risks responsibly. This year’s funding will help protect our largest reservoir during flood years and help us make plans to use our water wisely during dry times, especially for our agricultural community.”
Officials said the second phase of this project will look at ways to use water more efficiently to boost agricultural production.
M.D. OF TABER
The province noted that chronic issues with drainage and overland flooding will be addressed in various communities, including the Municipal District of Taber, Sexsmith, the Samson Cree Nation, Alexander First Nation, and Whitefish Lake First Nation.
The M.D. of Taber will benefit from a grant of $1,932,020.
“As the managing partner of the Southern Regional Storm Drainage Committee – representing eight southern Alberta municipalities alongside the St. Mary River Irrigation District – the Municipal District of Taber is sincerely grateful for these funding approvals,” remarked M.D. of Taber reeve Tamara Miyanaga.
“These investments will strengthen watershed resiliency, enhance flood protection, and support long-term water security for municipal drinking water, recreation, and agri-food production across the region. Most notably, this funding will significantly advance the Southern Regional Storm Drainage Committee toward completion of the critical final construction phase of the Horsefly Regional Emergency Spillway Project.”
Officials add that two wetland complexes will be restored in the M.D. of Taber as part of a broader project to manage local drainage and runoff issues.
“Investing in drought and flood protection keeps communities safe, while allowing them to continue to grow and thrive. This helps ensure safe and reliable access to water while making Alberta more resilient to extreme weather events,” said Grant Hunter, the Minister of Environment and Protected Areas and Taber-Warner MLA.
