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.
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.
Click here to see more...