File photo of the Oldman river. (Photo: LNN)

By Joel Mendelson

Alberta investing in natural drought and flood protection

Jan 16, 2024 | 11:25 AM

EDMONTON, AB – The Government of Alberta is investing $3.5 million to combat droughts and floods, as well as to improve water quality.

This year, Alberta’s government is providing $3.5 million to fund eight projects across the province through the Watershed Resiliency Restoration Program.

Watersheds are areas of land that drain rainfall and melted snow into streams, rivers and lakes. Officials say healthy, resilient watersheds help reduce the risk of both floods and droughts.

These projects aim to restore riverbanks and watersheds, stabilize stream banks, improve natural drainage and support communities which are affected by droughts and floods.

Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas said, “It has never been more important to improve the resiliency of Alberta’s watersheds.”

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She continued, “By working with local communities and partners, we are helping mitigate the impact of future floods and droughts in communities across the province while creating healthier water bodies for future generations.”

Each year, communities and local partners are granted funding through the Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program in order to bolster the natural ability of the province’s watersheds, as well as to reduce the intensity, magnitude, duration and effects from flooding and droughts.

Shannon Frank, executive director of the Oldman Watershed Council said, “This vital grant will boost community resilience across the Oldman watershed at a critical time when southwest Alberta is facing extreme drought conditions.”

She continued, “It will allow us to restore the essential natural infrastructure that reduces drought impacts for those being affected the most – agricultural producers, First Nations and municipalities.”

To date, the government of Alberta has allotted $46.5 million toward flood and drought resilience projects through the Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program. Since 2014, it has conserved and upgraded 5,475 hectares of wetlands and riparian areas and 320 kilometres of streambank.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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