The province has begun assessing the feasibility of building a potential new reservoir on the Red Deer River, located about 40 km east of Red Deer near Ardley, to help support growing communities.
A two-phase, multi-year study will explore the costs and value of constructing and operating the reservoir, and its impact on downstream communities, farmers and ranchers, and businesses.
The province said the river supplies water to hundreds of thousands of Albertans across the region and expanding water storage capacity could help reduce the risk of future droughts and meet growing water demands as more families, businesses and industries choose to live and operate in Central Alberta.
“Central Alberta is a growing and thriving, and we are ensuring that it has the water it needs. This study will help us determine if an Ardley reservoir is effective and how it can be built and operated successfully to help us manage and maximize water storage for years to come," said Environment and Protected Areas Minister Rebecca Schulz, in a statement.
The 2024 provincial budget allocated $4.5 million to explore creating the new reservoir at a dam site.
Work will begin on the scoping phase of the study as soon as possible which will include reviewing available geotechnical and hydrotechnical information and exploring conceptual dam options. This phase includes meetings with municipalities and water users in the area to hear their views. The scoping phase is expected to be completed by December 2025.
The next phase of the study, expected to be completed by March 31, 2026, will look more closely at whether an effective new dam near Ardley can be safely designed and constructed, and the impact it may have on communities and the environment. Geotechnical and hydrotechnical investigations, cost-benefit analyses and an assessment of environmental and regulatory requirements will be done.
Gathering feedback from Albertans through public engagement will be included second phase.
Once the study is complete, government will assess the results and determine whether to pursue the project and proceed with detailed engineering and design work and regulatory approvals.
The province said reservoirs play a vital role in irrigation, drought management, water security and flood protection.
“Water is essential to the agriculture industry and if the past few years are any indication, we need to prepare for dry conditions. A potential dam near Ardley could enhance water security and help farmers and ranchers continue to thrive in Alberta’s unpredictable conditions," said Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson.
“Reliable water infrastructure is essential for Alberta’s growing communities and industries. As we assess this project’s potential, we’re supporting the sustainability of our economic corridors, agricultural operations and rural economy," said Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen.
The two-phase Ardley dam study will be undertaken by Hatch Ltd., a Canadian multi-disciplinary professional services firm.
The province owns and operates several large reservoirs in the South Saskatchewan River Basin that help ensure sufficient water supply 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.
