By Charlotte Morritt-Jacobs - (@morrittjacobs on Twitter)

One Step Closer To Managing Heavy Rains In Lethbridge County

Sep 23, 2016 | 3:23 PM

LETHBRIDGE COUNTY – Construction on phase 1 of The Malloy Drainage Basin Project has officially wrapped up.

Government and local officials collaborated to amend and widen natural and constructed canals and complex drainage systems in the southeast portion of the County near Highway 512, with the goal of better protecting residents and infrastructure from future flooding.

On Friday (Sept. 23), a ribbon cutting and ground breaking ceremony took place to recognize the progression of the project so far and to initiate the next phase of work.

Minister of Environment and Parks, Shannon Phillips, said that she welcomes the collaboration in dealing with the destruction of agricultural land and livelihoods.

“This project makes sure that everyone has a stake, ensuring that the water goes towards the wetlands where the Birds of Prey Centre can use it with their trail.”

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The Malloy project is a joint effort between Lethbridge County, the Town of Coaldale and the St. Mary River Irrigation District, with support from the provincial government.

“This will mitigate and prevent flooding in Coaldale,” said Lethbridge County Reeve, Lorne Hickey. “When the water comes in it goes east it overflows the banks of the current drains and floods the fields. Even in town basements flood. By diverting the water on the westside we’ll send it into the Birds of Prey. Instead of overwhelming the system all at once we are able to hold it back and let it flow through on a slower pace.”

The main drain runs through the Town of Coaldale, with water being held at the Birds of Prey Centre’s wetlands area before flowing slowly back into the Stafford Resevoir.

County Reeve Lorne Hickey told media that the project fronts a $7.7 million price tag with Phase 2a construction starting next year in an effort to improve storm water retention ponds in Coaldale.