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Province releases drought conditions map

Screenshot 2024 08 19 at 2.19.37 AM

The Alberta government has updated its 2024 Drought Response plan and has released a map to help Albertans better understand and respond to drought conditions.
In May, Alberta released the 2024 Drought Response Plan with the entire province placed in Stage 4, the second-highest stage. Since then, some areas have seen significant rains, while others are still experiencing droughts and water shortages. With conditions varying, a more targeted approach is needed.
Alberta’s government has released a new, updated Drought Response Plan that classifies drought stages by river basin while continuing to help make sure that Albertans, communities, farmers, ranchers and businesses get the support they need, whatever the weather. The province continues monitoring drought conditions closely across Alberta.
“Drought conditions over the last two years have posed real challenges to communities, farmers and ranchers in some parts of the province. We’re working to help improve Alberta’s drought response, now and long into the future, by providing clearer information on local conditions to better manage water use,” said Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas.
Alberta’s Drought Response Plan is a multi-stage roadmap, covering everything from conservation plans and water-sharing agreements to declaring an emergency and prioritizing water for human health and safety. The plan helps government, irrigators, communities, businesses and others respond quickly and effectively to a wide range of drought conditions.
The updated plan better reflects the conditions in each region. It assigns each region a ranking from Stage 0 (no drought conditions) to Stage 4 (significant drought conditions in multiple water management areas). The Oldman and Milk River basins remain at Stage 4 due to very dry conditions.
The Red Deer River Basin is at Stage 3. Its water sharing Agreements have not been activated. Its water Supply Outlook Forecast is rated as average. The Gleniffer Reservoir’s (Dickson Dam) current storage is 97%. Normal for this time of year is between 90% and 95%.
Alberta’s government will continue working to support local water users in any and all areas experiencing water issues. Regardless of classification, smaller areas within each basin can still experience water shortages or challenges separate from drought, and officials will provide support wherever needed.
Moving forward, drought classifications will be updated as needed based on the weather conditions, water supply and demand. Regardless of drought stage, all Albertans are encouraged to consider ways to use water wisely. Conserving water is always a good habit and it helps your community, as well as communities downstream.

Firefighters respond to Newcastle Trail fire

The Drumheller Fire Department responded to a call of a structure fire on Newcastle Trail on Tuesday afternoon, August 20.
The Department arrived on scene to the 900 block of Newcastle Trail at about 1:30 p.m. The fire was called in by a passerby who noted smoke coming from a roof vent on the roof of the house.
Apparatus and support came from the department’s Rosedale Hall. An ambulance was also on scene as well as a municipal enforcement officer to block traffic and ATCO disconnected service to the home.
It appears the fire started in a bathroom fan and spread to the ceiling. Firefighters attacked the fire from the roof with water and a chainsaw.
It appears there were no injuries.

Area municipalities benefit from provincial investment in drought, flood resiliency

flood picture

Drumheller and some surrounding communities are benefitting from an Alberta government investment of more than $30 million for community-led projects that protect public safety and critical infrastructure from drought and floods.
To help communities, Alberta’s government has created the Drought and Flood Protection Program to support drought and flood mitigation projects in 14 municipalities, two First Nations and one Metis settlement. The funding will help communities access water during extremely low flows and protect critical infrastructure while helping homes and businesses stay dry in the event of floods.
In round one of the disbursements, Drumheller received $226,000 for the Lehigh Floodway Site Reclamation Project. This entails reclaiming the land purchased into a natural state and creating environmental reserves.
“We have been collaborating with local Indigenous groups to seek opportunities to develop reclaimed land for educational and traditional uses,” begins Deighen Blakely, Flood Resiliency Project Director. “Given the interest expressed by these communities, this is an opportunity to collaborate in restoring the Lehigh lands.”
Wheatland County received $45,500 for its Raw Water Storage project, to complete a study on its options.
Starland County received $175,000 for its Wastewater Flood and Drought Resiliency Assessment project. This is to assess all wastewater lagoons and design a solution for those most at risk.

For applications approved this year, funding totalling $25 million will be paid out in 2024-25 and $5,727,119 will be deferred to 2025-26.
“Albertans know all too well the devastating effects of drought and flooding. Communities in virtually all regions in our province have had recent experience dealing with these challenges,” said Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. “That’s why we are funding high-priority projects across Alberta, from the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement in the north to Pincher Creek and Coaldale in the south. We are investing in projects that will help protect homes, businesses and lives.”
The Drought and Flood Protection Program was launched earlier this year to help communities design and construct projects that protect critical infrastructure from drought and flooding and help ensure public safety is protected.
"Alberta Municipalities welcomes the Government of Alberta’s investments in helping to mitigate the effects of natural disasters,” said Tyler Gandam, President, Alberta Municipalities. “Funding from the Province that will be used to protect Alberta’s communities from droughts and floods eases the financial burden on the already stretched budgets of local governments. Our member-municipalities know best how to invest in local infrastructure projects, so we appreciate these funds being made available for direct application to the most pressing needs.”
Budget 2024 allocated $125 million over five years for the Drought and Flood Protection Program. The next round of applications will open this fall. Municipalities and Indigenous communities across the province can apply for funding to improve their drought and flood resilience and adapt to severe weather. Of the 18 projects receiving funding this year, 10 are focused on responding to the impacts of drought.