Alberta invests in infrastructure to protect communities against future floods

The upgrades will increase the ability to spill excess floodwater from reservoirs to protect dams from erosion or washouts, which also reduces possible flood damage to downstream communities.

The dams and reservoirs are a critical water source for irrigation, and industrial and domestic users. The upgrades are a response to the June 2013 floods, considered the worst natural disaster in the province’s history.

“Water management infrastructure is critically important to communities in southern Alberta and need to remain in working condition during an emergency situation. These upgrades ensure these structures are as prepared as possible for future floods.”

“Alberta is home to approximately 70 per cent of the total irrigated farmland in Canada. These measures will help protect our irrigation network, which provides a stable, long-term supply of water for producers in southern Alberta.”

“The Bassano Dam is 100 years old and barely survived the 2013 flood. We are pleased to partner with the Government of Alberta to ensure the dam continues to support irrigation, communities, and industry within our district.”

Upgrades

• Complete the combined emergency spillway and connecting canal at the Travers/Little Bow Dam southeast of Vulcan. Also, the Little Bow Dam will be raised and the irrigation outlet will be replaced.
• Construct a new, concrete emergency spillway at the Bassano Dam to replace the existing earthen emergency spillway. The Eastern Irrigation District owns the dam and will cost-share the project with the Alberta government.
• Replace the existing wooden emergency spillways at Taylor Coulee Wasteway and Bullhorn Wasteway near Cardston with larger, concrete spillways.

The Alberta government has committed $104 million for the upgrades.

Under the Building Alberta Plan, our government is investing in families and communities, living within our means, and opening new markets for Alberta's resources to ensure we're able to fund the services Albertans told us matter most to them. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.