By Josh Hall and Troy Gillard

Feds, province announce $13. 8 million to upgrade Dickson Dam

Oct 11, 2018 | 12:08 PM

The governments of Canada and Alberta are aiming to reduce flood risks in the province and to better protect residents and businesses from natural disasters.

$30 million was announced during a media conference Thursday morning at Bower Ponds for three disaster mitigation projects in Alberta.

$13.8 million was announced for upgrades to Dickson Dam in Red Deer County to improve spillways and increase the capacity to safely discharge water during extreme floods. The federal contribution will be fifty per cent of the project to a maximum of $6.88 million. The province will cover the remaining half along with any cost overruns.

Officials say the project will help to better protect significant portions of Red Deer and Drumheller, as well as wildlife habitats downstream from the dam.

“This is very important to not only Red Deer, but all of Alberta,” said Kim Schreiner, MLA for Red Deer – North. “We all remember all too well what happened in 2013. This is about keeping our citizens in our communities in Alberta safe.”

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Jensen Dam in Cardston County will receive $11 million in upgrades. Exshaw Creek near Exshaw will see about $10 million in reinforcements to reduce debris flooding like what Southern Alberta saw in 2013.

“The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of investing in disaster mitigation projects that reduce the frequency and severity of impacts, and protect our communities and public infrastructure from extreme natural events,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “These critical projects will help ensure that communities in and around Red Deer County, Cardston County and Exshaw can function and thrive through any circumstance.”

Construction on the projects is scheduled to begin next month and be completed in November 2020.