The Alberta Government is exploring the feasibility of building a new reservoir on the Red Deer River, to help ensure our region has ample water supply and storage capacity for generations to come.Â
The Red Deer River supplies water to hundreds of thousands of Albertans across the region and expanding water storage capacity could help reduce the risk of future droughts and meet the growing water demands.
Alberta’s government has begun assessing the feasibility of building a potential new reservoir east of Red Deer near Ardley.
A two-phase, multi-year study will explore the costs and value of constructing and operating the reservoir, and its impact on downstream communities, farmers and ranchers, and businesses.
Work will begin on the scoping phase of the study as soon as possible.
This will include reviewing available geotechnical and hydrotechnical information and exploring conceptual dam options.
The scoping phase also includes meetings with municipalities and water users in the area to hear their views.
Once that is complete, the feasibility study will then shift into a second phase, looking more closely at whether an effective new dam near Ardley can be safely designed and constructed, and the impact it may have on communities and the environment.
This work is expected to be completed by March 31st of 2026.
