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.
