This afternoon, the Government of Alberta announced that it has reached an agreement with the Robinson family to acquire 188 hectares (465 acres) of land required for the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1).
With this latest acquisition, the province has now purchased 20 percent of the total 1,566 hectares (3,870 acres) of land required for the project.
As you know, the Robinsons have opposed the SR1 project since it was first announced by the Prentice government. This was no doubt a very difficult decision for them. We recognize and appreciate their important
For the balance of the land to be procured by the province for SR1, we understand those conversations with landowners are continuing.
Read the full press release included below or online here.
Once again, we would like to thank the NDP government, and Minister Brian Mason in and his staff in particular, for the tremendous work they’ve undertaken to date, and continue to pursue, to protect the lives, livelihoods, and property of this city. This project has been more challenging than we think anyone expected, government included, and they deserve our thanks and appreciation.
With these land acquisitions, with the many millions of dollars already spent on SR1, and with the thorough stakeholder engagement to date and going forward, the thought that this critical and in-flight project will not be completed is next to inconceivable. This province must see this through.
Regards,
Your CRCAG Board
Protecting Calgary from future floods
The Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1) is another step closer to construction after the province acquired 188 hectares (465 acres) of land needed for the project.
The Government of Alberta has reached an agreement with the Robinson family in Springbank and has now acquired roughly 20 per cent of the land required to build the reservoir project.
“Whenever floods or fires have tested us, we Albertans have always looked out for one another. The agreement we have signed will help protect people and families in Calgary from a devastating flood, like the one we saw in 2013. We know this decision was not easy for the Robinson family and we want to thank them for taking this step which will serve to protect their fellow Albertans.”- Brian Mason, Minister of Transportation
When completed, the project will work in concert with the Glenmore Reservoir in Calgary to contain the same volume of water that resulted in the 2013 flood. This will help protect both the people of Calgary and the prosperity of the city, as it’s estimated a similar flood would cause $700 million in damages, with billions more at risk from backflow flooding.
The agreement also includes the relocation of a heritage building that has been in the Robinson family for a century. It will be moved from the current land to the future site of the Robinson ranch so it can be protected and preserved for generations.
“The Government of Alberta will now be closer to building the flood protection required for Calgary and other downstream communities. Our family can move forward and focus on the future of our operations in Rocky View County. This agreement creates the certainty our family needs to ensure a future for our children and grandchildren, as well as for the many employees of our operation.”- Ryan Robinson, Springbank resident and land sale signatory
The province continues to consult with other Springbank landowners with the goal of successfully completing voluntary land agreements with all landowners. Discussions and meetings are ongoing with the landowners, First Nations, including the Tsuut’ina Nation, and Rocky View County.
The project is currently undergoing regulatory review.
Quick facts
- The footprint of SR1 is about 1,566 hectares (3,870 acres).
- SR1 would be capable of containing 70.2 million cubic metres of flood water.
- During a flood, the confluence of the Elbow and Bow rivers creates a backflow effect which threatens downtown Calgary.