If the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir is a Provincial project, then what is the City’s role?
The City of Calgary has publicly backed the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1), recognizing it is critical to building flood resiliency for the city, and for ensuring flood mitigation on the Elbow River.
That said, since SR1 will be located outside of the City’s jurisdiction, the location, design, and construction of the reservoir is the responsibility of the Province of Alberta.
So, exactly what is The City’s role in the building of the SR1?
As a critical stakeholder, the City meets regularly with the Government of Alberta project team to discuss the design and operations of SR1, and City-lead research has informed the process along the way.
- In 2016, the City of Calgary undertook a Flood Mitigation Measures Assessment to develop recommendations regarding the future of Calgary’s flood mitigation and resiliency.
Among the recommendations, the assessment outlined that the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir project and improved Glenmore Dam gates will protect the Elbow River to an event similar to 2013.
These recommendations were unanimously accepted by City Council on April 10th, 2017, and flood mitigation and resilience for Calgary has been identified as one of Council’s top priorities.
Related: Councillor Carra is standing by to light his hair on fire, if required….
- Along with other key stakeholders, the City is participating on Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency’s (CEAA) Technical Working Group. Related: Minister McKenna decides on agency review over public panel
- The City will also participate as an intervener during the public input phases of the process.
Please refer to the City’s FAQ on the Springbank Off-stream Reservoir that was recently published. It provides a terrific summary of the key features of the Project and why the City thinks that the Springbank Project is the best first-choice project to achieve upstream mitigation on the Elbow river, in conjunction with the Glenmore Reservoir gates; which are currently under construction.
For more information on the City’s flood research and mitigation efforts, visit: Flooding in Calgary: Mitigation and Resilience.
If you have questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at info@crcactiongroup.com.
Regards,
Your CRCAG Board