05 Dec Regional Irrigation – Phase 2 Work Announced
Special Areas Board, along with the Municipal District of Acadia, the Canada Infrastructure Bank, and the Government of Alberta, is moving forward with the second phase of work related to the regional irrigation project. This investment is estimated at $7 million dollars and will allow planning to move forward on a large-scale irrigation project in the Special Areas and M.D. of Acadia region.
Announced earlier today by the Province, this work includes 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 next steps in the irrigation project.
“Special Areas has everything it needs to become a highly productive agricultural area – everything except a reliable supply of water. This project could reinvent what agriculture looks like in east-central Alberta, bringing new opportunities to producers passionate about agriculture. Special Areas appreciates the strong partnership built by this project, and want to thank Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, the M.D. of Acadia and the Canada Infrastructure Bank for their ongoing support in developing large – scale irrigation in this region.”
Jordon Christianson, Chair of the Special Areas Board
“The MD of Acadia is excited to be partnering with the Special Areas Board, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, and the Canada Infrastructure Bank on irrigation development in our region. A large-scale irrigation project would increase water security and bring major economic benefits to agricultural producers, while also enhancing recreational opportunities in the area.”
Peter Rafa – Reeve, Municipal District of Acadia
“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.”
A feasibility report released this summer on the project showed 108,000 acres of previously cultivated land in the MD of Acadia and Special Areas region could be developed for an irrigation project. The report detailed the feasibility study funded by the four project partners which included factors related to irrigable land, water availability, financial and economic benefits, social and environmental benefits, costs, and environmental and permitting risks.
Quick Facts
- Over the past two years, the Alberta government partnered with the Canada Infrastructure Bank and nine irrigation districts to invest nearly $933 million in irrigation expansion and modernization – the largest investment of its kind in Alberta’s history.
- Alberta has more than 1.8 million irrigated acres and the east-central project has the potential to create up to 108,000 more.
- A 2021 economic study found that Alberta’s irrigation districts create about 46,000 jobs and contributes about $5.4 billion in total gross domestic product (GDP).
- An important part of our economy, the agri-food sector contributes more than $8 billion in GDP and employs nearly 60,000 Albertans.
Individuals interested in receiving updates on the project should register with the Special Areas Board or the M.D. of Acadia. To sign up for future information updates, individuals are asked to send preferred contact information to public.input@specialareas.ab.ca.