Table of contents

Overview

We are gathering feedback over the next 2 years on 3 possible options to help reduce the effects of flooding and drought along the Bow River by increasing water storage capacity.

Additional water storage will significantly reduce the impact of severe weather events on Albertans who live, work and recreate in the Calgary area and on the provincial economy. Flooding that occurred in southern Alberta in 2013 alone caused more than $5 billion in damage in Calgary and surrounding communities.

Your input will help identify the environmental, technical, financial and social impacts of 3 possible mitigation options identified in the Bow River Reservoir Options Phase 1: Conceptual Assessment – Main Report:

  • "Morley" – a new reservoir between Seebe and Morley, on Stoney Nakoda Nations reserve lands
  • "Relocated Ghost Dam" – an expansion of the existing Ghost Reservoir
  • "Glenbow East" – a new reservoir between Cochrane and the Bearspaw Dam at the western edge of Calgary

Engagement status

  • Open

  • Results under review

  • Completed

Who is listening

Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas

  • Phase 1: Conceptual assessment

    Included a high-level hydrological study, tabletop geotechnical investigation, conceptual reservoir design and public engagement.

    November 2018 to Spring 2020
  • Phase 2: Feasibility study

    Includes a detailed hydrological study, on-site geotechnical investigation, cost-benefit analysis, public engagement and selection of a recommended option.

    Spring 2020 to Spring 2023
  • Phase 3: Engineering and regulatory approval process

    Includes detailed design and engineering of the recommended option, and pursuit of all required regulatory approvals.

    Winter 2023 to approximately 2027
  • Phase 4: Procurement, construction and commissioning

    Includes construction of the approved option.

    Approximately 2027 to 2032

Get informed

Learn more about the Bow River Reservoir Options project:

Get involved

This engagement will have multiple phases and many ways to get involved over the next few years. More opportunities to provide input will be shared when available. Check back or sign up for updates

Participate online

The following opportunities are currently closed and will be available again for our next round of engagement.

  • Interactive map – let us know how you use the land around the 3 areas under consideration
  • Ask our experts a question

Indigenous engagement

We will work directly with Indigenous communities and organizations throughout the Bow River Reservoir Options engagement to ensure their perspectives are heard and explored.

Virtual information centre

The Bow River Reservoir Options virtual information centre was available from June 16 to June 30, 2021.

The virtual centre featured information boards, a video and reports to help people learn more about the initiative and the feasibility study. It also included opportunities to share input on the reservoir options. This information is available under Get Informed – Phase 2 – Round one engagement.

Virtual live sessions

Participants were able to share feedback and ask questions during virtual sessions held June 22, 24 and 26, 2021.

Outcomes

Your feedback will help us carefully review the 3 proposed options for reducing the effects of flooding and drought along the Bow River and will be considered in any decision to move forward with one of the options.

If one of the options is chosen to move forward, it would proceed to the engineering and regulatory approval process.

Contact

Connect with the Bow River Reservoir Options engagement:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 310-3773 (toll free)

We welcome commentary about government policies and programs, however we will not tolerate comments that are offensive to an individual or an organization, rude or harassing in tone, or abusive to government staff. For more information, see our comment policy.

Subscribe for email updates

If you wish to receive periodic emailed updates about the Bow River Reservoir Options initiative, complete the following form. Check your email to confirm your subscription.

If you have already signed up – we look forward to providing you with new information about the feasibility study and engagement opportunities as they become available. 

All fields are required unless otherwise indicated.

Update type:

Any personal information you provide - including your name, phone number and email address - is collected under the authorization of Section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) and is managed in accordance with Part 2 of the FOIP Act

The information and feedback you provide will be used to inform decisions regarding a Bow River reservoir and dam, or to follow up with you if you have questions regarding this project. All feedback, including what you provide, may be compiled, synthesized, anonymized and shared for project purposes, with no attribution to your name or contact information. Any personal information you provide will not be used or disclosed for any other purpose than stated, without your specific written consent or unless required to do so by law.

If you have any questions or concerns, or wish to have any personal information corrected, please contact the Project Manager, Bow River Reservoir Options initiative at 310-3773 (toll free) or [email protected].

Last updated: January 11, 2023