Irrigation expansion project set to begin in southern Alberta

Farmers in southern Alberta received some good news on Thursday. The Alberta Government announced the expansion of the Chin Reservoir east of Lethbridge.

For farmers and ranchers in southern Alberta, water and irrigation play a vital role in producing quality products. That’s why the Alberta Government, The Canada Infrastructure Bank, the Agriculture and Forestry’s Investment and three irrigation districts are investing $133 million to expand the Chin Reservoir. 

The last irrigation project to happen in southern Alberta was over 35 years ago. St. Mary River, Taber and Raymond irrigation districts are leading the way and will benefit eight districts across southern Alberta by increasing the water storage capacity. 

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Devin Dreeshen, says the project will attract value-added food processing to the province.

The project is slated to cost $815-million and will create roughly 7,000 construction jobs.

Chair of the St. Mary River Irrigation District, George Lohues, says the added irrigation is a welcomed sight for farmers in the region.

The completion of the whole project is anticipated to be in the spring of 2028.