With 2019 behind us, we’ve compiled a quick recap of what the year brought and a preview of what to anticipate in 2020. 2019 recap Provincial election In the lead-up to the provincial election in April, we surveyed each party on key flood mitigation issues and put pressure on those who had not yet declared publically their commitment to SR1. Related to these efforts, in January we formed a coalition […]
Report on Bow River reservoir options expected in early-2020
As part of the Bow Basin Water Management Options (BBWMO) project, Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) has spent the past year working through the conceptual assessment of 10 upstream reservoir options. In September, AEP announced the three shortlisted reservoir options, hosted public information sessions, and solicited public feedback. The final report on the first phase – the conceptual assessment – of the BBWMO project is expected in Q1 2020. Phase 2 […]
Remaining SR1 responses filed with federal regulator, provincial review moves to Round 2
Alberta Transportation has submitted responses to all Round 1 SR1 information requests from the federal regulator, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC). It is expected that these latest responses (to the IAAC’s July 16, 2019 deficiency questions) will satisfy the regulator. If so, the Round 1 information requests will be considered complete and ready for review. The following is a notice provided by Alberta Transportation: On June 14, 2019, […]
Budget concerns for flood mitigation projects—your input is needed
Since the recent release of the budget by the Kenney government, we’ve worked to understand its implications to the numerous flood mitigation projects slated to protect Calgary. We’ve discussed these implications with Alberta Transportation, Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP), and the City of Calgary. We’ve summarized what will be impacted and what we know so far. Alberta Transportation – responsible for Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir Project (SR1) on the Elbow RiverAlberta Environment and Parks – […]
CBC: Why 3 Alberta governments chose Springbank to protect Calgary
Last month we breathed a brief sigh of relief when CBC’s Robson Fletcher published his extremely well-researched and well-balanced article, Why 3 Alberta governments chose Springbank to protect Calgary. For years the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir project (SR1) has endured media coverage with often incomplete information, inaccuracies, and distractions. Rarely has a media outlet produced such thorough coverage of the complex SR1 file, so for this, we owe him a thank-you. […]
More SR1 responses, and potential for second round of information requests in early-2020
In its latest back-and-forth with the federal regulator, Alberta Transportation has submitted a portion of the additional SR1 information requested over the summer. The following is a verbatim notice provided by Alberta Transportation: “On June 14, 2019, Alberta Transportation submitted responses to the Round 1 Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1) Information Requests from the provincial and federal regulators. On July 16, 2019, following a review of the Round 1 responses, the […]
Bill C-69 in force: Canada’s new Impact Assessment Agency (formerly CEAA)
As part of Bill C-69 coming into force recently, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) has been replaced with the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC). There is obviously an abundance of information available on Bill C-69, however, we wanted to make you aware of this name change and to share a few resources summarizing how the bill changes Canada’s regulatory process. On August 28, 2019, Bill C-69 was proclaimed […]
Help select the Bow River reservoir project – deadline Oct 31
There are only a few days left to submit your feedback on the three proposed Bow River reservoir options. Although the open houses for the conceptual assessment portion of the Bow Basin Water Management Options (BBWMO) project have concluded, Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) will accept public feedback until Thursday, October 31 at 4 p.m. Provide your comments: Online at https://talkaep.alberta.caBy email to aep.bowbasin@gov.ab.ca You are an important stakeholder! As […]
Nenshi: Calgary wants to prevent another disastrous flood. Why is Ottawa being a dam obstacle?
In the lead-up to the federal election, Mayor Naheed Nenshi was in the media multiple times speaking on the issue of flood mitigation. Op-ed in Globe and Mail Mayor Nenshi penned a to-the-point op-ed in the Globe and Mail calling out the federal government for delays on the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir project (SR1). We can’t get what we need built. And the blame can largely be laid at the feet […]
Your attendance and input needed at Bow River reservoir info sessions! Last event Tues, Oct 15
The last of three public info sessions on the short-listed Bow River reservoir options runs this upcoming Tuesday, October 15. Please attend and submit your feedback! These public info sessions are a critical part of selecting the right project to proceed with and it is important that all stakeholder feedback is captured – that includes YOU! Whichever project is selected, it will protect Calgarians downstream. Our voice must be captured […]