Reservoir study to improve water storage on Red Deer River begins

The provincial government announced Tuesday it is moving forward with a study to assess the feasibility of improving water storage on the Red Deer River in Central Alberta with the creation of a new reservoir.

The Red Deer River supplies water to hundreds of thousands of Albertans across the region, including in Sundre and communities part f the Mountain View Regional Water Services Commission.  

Expanding water storage capacity could help reduce the risk of future droughts and meet the growing water demands, the government says.

Hatch Ltd. Has been selected to undertake a scoping and feasibility study for a reservoir east of Red Deer near Ardley.

The 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.

Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen who is also the MLA for Innisfail -Sylvan Lake, praised the effort.

“Reliable water infrastructure is essential for Alberta’s growing communities and industries. The Ardley reservoir feasibility study is a vital step toward ensuring long-term water security for central Alberta. As we assess this project’s potential, we’re supporting the sustainability of our economic corridors, agricultural operations and rural economy,” Dreeshen said in a prepared statement.

The Red Deer River Municipal Users’ Group (RDRMUG) asked its members last year to canvass their communities for support in calling on the provincial government to include funding in its 2024 budget for a study into whether a second reservoir was needed along the Red Deer River. 

Didsbury, Sundre and Olds were among the communities giving their support.

Budget 2024 allocated $4.5 million to explore creating a new reservoir on the Red Deer River, at a damsite about 40 kilometres east of Red Deer.

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Tuesday’s announcement said work will begin on the scoping phase of the study as soon as possible.

It will include reviewing available geotechnical and hydrotechnical information, exploring conceptual dam options and meetings with municipalities and water users in the area to hear their views.

That work is expected to be completed by December 2025.

The study will then shift into a second phase, the government says, looking 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, an assessment of environmental and regulatory requirements and public engagement will occur, the government said.

That work is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026.

Alberta’s government already 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.