Crews work at the water treatment plant in preparation for 2013 flood of the South Saskatchewan River in this file photo. Medicine Hat will receive more than $3 million from the province to build shoreline protection for the city's water treatment plant.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Budget 2025 contains over $19 million in protection for communities from flood and drought, the province said in an announcement Thursday.
Both extremes have been keenly felt by Alberta residents in recent years, says the province, and building the critical infrastructure needed to protect Albertans can be cost-prohibitive. The province is investing more than $19 million in 10 different projects through the Drought and Flood Protection Program.
“Albertans have seen first-hand the impacts that floods and drought can have on our communities and livelihoods,” said Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. “This funding is helping communities build the next generation of drought and flood mitigation projects. While we can’t change the weather, we can help protect families, businesses and communities for years to come.”
Among the projects, Medicine Hat will receive $3,253,485 in order to build 300 metres of shoreline protection along the South Saskatchewan River to protect the Medicine Hat Wastewater Treatment Plant.
“The investment confirmed by the Government of Alberta will help the City of Medicine Hat’s plans to reduce the risk of flood damage to the Wastewater Treatment Plant,” said Pat Bohan, managing director of development and infrastructure for the City of Medicine Hat. “Combining this funding, along with the city’s contributions, will aid in providing shoreline protection, flood risk management, environmental protection, operational safety and sustainability.”
Other notable projects to receive funding:
– Building a retaining wall to protect the Slave Lake Airport and Helitack Base during floods.
– Constructing a berm to safeguard Siksika Nation’s newly constructed Washington Sewage Lagoon and other local infrastructure.
– Stopping erosion along Carrot Creek to help protect infrastructure in St. Albert.
– Creating a naturalized stormwater management pond in St. Paul to reduce drought risks and improve water quality.
– Improving flood protections in the Calgary area by replacing the Landon Ditch with a system to manage stormwater and guard infrastructure.
