Irrigation Expansion planned for east central AB

Irrigation provides secure sources of water and dramatically increases the value of whole regions from growing more food, creating more jobs, and supporting the environment. It also plays a transformative role in Alberta’s rural economy, creating new opportunities for producers by providing increased water storage, stability throughout periods of drought, and long-term economic growth.

A 2021 economic study found that Alberta’s irrigation districts create about 46,000 jobs, and contribute about $5.4 billion in total gross domestic product (GDP). As an important part of Alberta’s economy, the agri-food sector contributes more than $8 billion GDP and employs nearly 60,000 Albertans.

Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Nate Horner, said, “Historically, irrigation has been a game-changer when it comes to increasing sustainable primary crop production. The east-central project has the potential to help grow the agri-food sector and support a diversified value-added processing industry. Thanks to our partnerships with Canada infrastructure Bank, the MD of Acadia and the Special Areas Board, we are another step closer to modernizing and expanding Alberta’s irrigation infrastructure.”

Special Areas is committed to the development of technically and financially feasible irrigation in east-central Alberta. Alberta’s government, the Municipal District of Acadia, the Special Areas Board, and the Canada infrastructure Bank, are investing approximately $7 million to continue the planning of a large-scale irrigation project, to be located in east-central Alberta. Alberta has more than 1.8 million irrigated acres, and the east-central project has the potential to create up to 108,000 more.

Over the past two years, the Alberta government has partnered with the Canada infrastructure Bank and nine irrigation districts to invest almost $933 million in irrigation expansion and modernization. This is the largest investment of its kind in Alberta’s history.

Communications Officer for the Special Areas Board, Maeghan Chostner, the Government of Alberta announced the next phase in the planning of the MD Acadia and Special Areas Regional Irrigation project has been confirmed. Planning for the irrigation project will include preliminary engineering design, environmental and regulatory considerations, and potential financing options. It is expected to take up to 24 months to complete, and will inform the next steps in the irrigation project.