Alberta Wildlife Federation calls for more consultation on proposed Ardley Reservoir

The Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas is leading the Ardley Reservoir Scoping and Feasibility Study, which can be viewed online, to evaluate whether a new dam and storage reservoir can be designed, constructed and operated in the Red Deer River basin.

Announced in 2024, the multi-year study by the government was broken up into two phases, which explored the costs and value of constructing and operating the reservoir. It also explored the impact on downstream communities, businesses, ranchers and farmers.

Officials say $4.5 million was put aside in the 2024 budget to explore creating the new reservoir.

The AWF says they support the responsible use of Alberta’s natural resources, including surface water. However, projects such as the proposed Ardley Reservoir have the potential to affect water users, fish and wildlife habitat.

They added that Albertans must have access to clear information about the potential positive and negative impacts of the proposed project.

“We believe Albertans need a clear understanding of why this project is being considered, what alternatives have been examined and what the potential environmental impacts could be before decisions are made,” said Tyler Riewe, Alberta Wildlife Federation’s habitat chair. “Should the project move forward, a comprehensive EIA will be essential to understanding and addressing potential effects on fish, wildlife, habitat and water resources. The federation intends to participate throughout the engagement process and believes it can provide valuable input on wildlife, fish habitat and water-related issues if the project advances to a formal regulatory process.”

The AWF says they want to know the impacts to water quantity and quality; fish and fish habitat; riparian habitat; water security for downstream users; cumulative effects; and wildlife.

They call on the government to clearly communicate the need for the project, the alternatives considered through the feasibility study, and the intended role of the reservoir.

They explained that clarity around the reservoir’s objectives will help AWF members and other Albertans participate meaningfully in the discussion. The federation expects to see commitments to monitoring and mitigation that further reduce any residual impacts from the project.

by rdnewsNOW staff

Alberta Wildlife Federation calls for more consultation on proposed Ardley Reservoir

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