The governments of Canada and Alberta, with the support of municipalities and other community organizations, will provide more than $107.5 million to complete eight infrastructure projects in northern and southern Alberta through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).
These projects will upgrade or build new water/wastewater treatment systems, stormwater management systems and flood barriers.
“Protecting Alberta residents and businesses from flood damage, most notably protecting downtown Calgary from flooding like we saw in 2013, is a critical measure to safeguard the economy,” said Prasad Panda, Alberta’s Minister of Infrastructure. “Additionally, hundreds of Albertans will be employed in building this infrastructure at a time when an economic boost is needed most.”
In Calgary, the downtown flood barrier project will create a new barrier along the south bank of the Bow River to improve flood control. This barrier will be connected to the West Eau Claire and Centre Street Bridge lower deck flood barriers to form a continuous barrier along the Bow River. A second project in Calgary will add a stormwater trunk in the upper plateau to direct stormwater runoff directly into the Bow River and reduce the risk and magnitude of stormwater flooding.
The Siksika Nation will also build two new drinking water wells to provide a stable source of feed water for the Arthur A. Youngman treatment facility that will meet growing community needs and reduce environmental impacts.
“Investing in essential services like drinking water treatment and flood barriers is key to building resilient communities,” said Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “The downtown flood barrier project in Calgary and the drinking water wells in Siksika Nation are just two of eight new Alberta projects that will help keep communities safe and healthy while protecting essential public infrastructure.”
These water-related infrastructure projects are part of the more than $10 billion infrastructure spending announced as part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan.
Featured image: Alberta Infrastructure Minister Prasad Panda announces funding for Bow River flood barrier project for West Eau Claire to Centre Street Bridge.
