EDMONTON, ALTA. – The government of Alberta is requesting proposals to assess the feasibility of construction of a new reservoir on the Red Deer River near Ardley, Alta.
The study will explore the costs and value of an Ardley reservoir and the benefits for downstream communities, farmers, ranchers and businesses, a provincial government release said.
“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,” provincial minister of environment and protected areas Rebecca Schulz said.
“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,” provincial minister of agriculture and irrigation RJ Sigurdson added.
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 release said.
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.
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