Improving water storage in central Alberta

As central Alberta continues to grow, demand from communities and businesses for water is also increasing. Expanding water storage capacity in the region could potentially help reduce the risk of future droughts or water shortages and support a strong economy for years to come.

Alberta's government is requesting proposals to assess the feasibility of building a potential new reservoir on the Red Deer River near Ardley. This study will explore the costs and value of an Ardley reservoir and the benefits for downstream communities, farmers, ranchers and businesses.

"Central Alberta is a thriving region and we need to make sure that water is available to meet its growing needs. This feasibility study will help determine whether an Ardley reservoir can be built and operated for a cost that provides true value to Albertans, while keeping central Alberta communities and industries growing for years to come."

Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas

"Our government is delivering on our pledge to investigate a broad range of water management infrastructure options to ensure our growing communities, irrigators and businesses have the water they need when they need it. Our agricultural producers depend on Alberta's irrigation infrastructure so they can continue putting food on tables here and around the world."

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

Reservoirs play a vital role in irrigation, drought management, water security and flood protection. Alberta's government owns and operates several large reservoirs in the South Saskatchewan River Basin that help ensure sufficient water supplies to meet demand from communities, irrigators and businesses, while also maintaining a healthy aquatic environment. Water stored at Gleniffer Lake, the reservoir created by Dickson Dam, helps supplement low winter flows along the Red Deer River and helps ensure an adequate water supply for Red Deer and Drumheller.

Budget 2024 allocated $4.5 million to explore creating a new reservoir on the Red Deer River, at a dam site about 40 kilometres east of the City of Red Deer. The feasibility study will look at whether a new dam near Ardley can be designed, constructed and operated for a cost that provides value to Albertans and the economy, including benefits to irrigation, drought management, water security and flood protection.

The deadline for qualified vendors to submit their proposal to complete this study is Sept. 30 at 2 p.m. The Ardley feasibility study is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026.

Quick facts

• The feasibility study will include, but is not limited to, the following deliverables:
  • Desktop technical assessment of the project, study area, and previous studies.
  • Development, review and refinement of proposed conceptual dam options.
  • Identification of key stakeholders for engagement, and support for engagement and a site visit.
  • A detailed site investigation.
  • A detailed conceptual design, geotechnical investigation and hydrotechnical assessment.
  • A detailed cost benefit analysis.
  • An assessment of environmental and regulatory requirements.
• Once the feasibility study is complete, government will determine whether to pursue this project and proceed with detailed engineering and design work, and regulatory approvals.
• Alberta's government is taking action on drought, including:
  • Establishing a drought command team.
  • Opening the new Drought and Flood Protection Program to help protect homes, businesses and lives.
  • Releasing and then updating Alberta's Drought Response Plan to guide the province through any and all drought conditions.
  • Facilitating the largest water-sharing agreements in Alberta history.
  • Bringing together a minister's water advisory committee.
  • Launching a new drought section at alberta.ca/drought, which includes regular updates on conditions.

Related information

• Ardley Dam scoping and feasibility study
• Alberta.ca/drought

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