By cutting red tape, setting standards and streamlining processes, Alberta’s government has reduced wait times for Water Act licences by 52 per cent in the last year. This makes it easier for landowners, businesses and municipalities to get the water they need to support growing communities and a thriving economy.
“We are getting government out of the way so that farmers, ranchers, communities and businesses can keep on growing. Routine water applications shouldn’t take months or even years. I’m proud of the work we’ve done over the past two years to show we can maintain Alberta’s world class environmental standards without holding up good projects or keeping Albertans from getting the water they need.”
Alberta’s government introduced mandatory service targets for all Water Act applications last year to speed up reviews and stop unnecessary delays. A new online system is also in place that makes it quicker and easier to submit and review applications, and regulatory improvements like eliminating unnecessary 10 per cent hold-backs on most water transfers have reduced unnecessary paperwork.
“These results are good news for every Albertan, company or community looking to access water in this province. Minister Schulz and I will keep looking for ways to cut red tape, reduce bureaucratic delays and get rid of outdated processes that slow good work down.”
Thanks to these improvements, wait times for licences have fallen 52 per cent in the last year and 79 per cent since 2021. The 79 per cent improvement means the applicant is receiving a decision 354 days sooner, on average.
“We’re tossing out the long delays for regulatory approvals and decisions that hold businesses and communities back. Our government continues to cut red tape, knocking down bureaucratic barriers so Alberta continues to be the best place in Canada to live, work and do business.”
This is all part of the government’s work to make common-sense changes that modernize Alberta’s water management system and make more water available for farmers, ranchers, businesses and growing communities.
“The County of Grande Prairie has experienced a significant reduction in wait times for Water Act applications, thanks to the Government of Alberta’s Digital Regulatory Assurance System and streamlined application process. Prior to this, applications could take six months or more to be approved, depending on project complexity. Now, both small- and large-scale projects are being processed and approved in just one to two months. This system has increased efficiency and clarified requirements, saving administrative time and resources.”
“For years, the sand and gravel industry has struggled with permitting delays, which hampers both investment and development. These delays result in wasted money, time and effort, and lead to higher project costs and slower completion times for housing and critical infrastructure. The Alberta Sand and Gravel Association welcomes a future with less red tape so the industry can focus on producing the materials we need to serve Albertans.”
Quick facts
- As of Sept. 30, more than 88 per cent of Water Act approval and licence applications submitted in the past year were complete.
- Alberta’s government has also reduced the number of outstanding Water Act applications that were received prior to 2024 from 644 to seven.
- Timelines for authorizations for work that require a Water Act approval have also declined 46 per cent in the last year and 63 per cent since 2021. This translates to an applicant receiving a decision 140 days sooner.
- The service targets allow for a thorough review and time for public consultation, where necessary:
- Low-risk decision target is 60 days.
- Medium-risk decision target is 90 days.
- High-risk decision target is 120 days.
- Decisions have been within the target timeline on 86 per cent of applications submitted since the beginning of April 2025, with 71 per cent of those completed 30 days or more under the target. Most of the applications that missed the target timeline were resolved soon after.