Alberta invests $28M to strengthen drought and flood protection

Alberta’s government is investing more than $28 million to help communities better withstand flooding and drought, with funding aimed at protecting homes, infrastructure and long-term water supply.

The province is allocating $25 million through the Drought and Flood Protection Program for 12 projects, alongside $3.5 million through the Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program.

The funding will support upgrades to water infrastructure, improve storage capacity and strengthen watershed health, helping communities manage both extreme wet and dry conditions.

Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter said the investment is intended to safeguard communities while supporting growth.

“Investing in drought and flood protection keeps communities safe, while allowing them to continue to grow and thrive,” Hunter said.

Projects funded in this round include improvements to the Therriault Dam spillway in the Municipal District of Pincher Creek, the purchase of temporary flood barriers in Drumheller and upgrades to water systems in several municipalities including Okotoks, Sylvan Lake and Smoky River.

Other projects will address drainage and flooding concerns in communities such as Sexsmith and Taber, as well as on several First Nations.

Additional funding will support wetland and riparian restoration work across the province, including projects led by municipalities, environmental organizations and watershed groups. These efforts are aimed at improving natural water retention and reducing the impacts of extreme weather.

The province has committed $125 million over five years to the drought and flood protection program, with $75 million already invested in 40 projects.

Applications for the next round of funding are expected to open in October, with another $25 million available.