Feds announce $168.5M for Springbank dam project
The federal government will provide $168.5 million toward the Springbank Off-stream Reservoir Project, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Jonathan Wilkinson announced Tuesday.
The money comes from the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF). The announcement follows the federal government signing off on the project earlier this month after it was determined not to have major environmental impacts.
The Springbank dam project would create a temporary reservoir, held in by a kilometre-long berm, to keep floodwater from spilling over the Elbow River banks.
Earlier this month the plan received the green light from the federal government, after it was determined to not have major environmental impacts.
It's the second major flood mitigation project that has now passed several hurdles in the eight years since the 2013 floods. The project is expected to cost $432 million.
Flood mitigation has become a priority since the 2013 floods which caused more than $5 billion in damage in southern Alberta
The Springbank project would create a temporary reservoir, held in by a kilometre-long berm to keep floodwater from spilling over the Elbow River banks.
Diversion channels will displace high water away from properties -- but property owners will have to sell some land to make way for the dry reservoir.
Over the past eight years the project has faced opposition from landowners in Springbank and the Stoney Nakoda First Nation.
The Tsuut’ina Nation eventually offered support in an agreement in April 2020.
ACQUIRING LAND
Landowners are in negotiations with the province over compensation for their land.
Tuesday, Alberta Transportation Minister Rajan Sawhney said 42 to 44 percent of land has been acquired, with the remainder needing to be acquired by the end of July.
“The province has engaged very faithfully and very confidently,” she said.
“We will continue having these conversations with impacted land owners to make sure again, we are listening and that they feel heard.”
Residents CTV News reached out to today did not want to speak on the record, in fear of losing compensation from the province.
The Springbank Community Association said the project was doomed from the beginning.
“If we could rewind the clock to 2013-14 and take a better look at this decisions, we would have had a different outcome completely,” said president Karin Hunter.
“The deck was stacked against the landowners.”
Hunter said landowners feel defeated.
“It’s really disappointing for them to know that their land is going and not to be used for something they view as a benefit to our province or our community,” she said.
Residents said they feel betrayed by the UCP government, which campaigned on protecting rights for property owners.
“In regards to property rights,(and) this government, it's laughable,” said Hunter.
“They can say one thing and do the complete opposite.”
Mayor Naheed Nenshi said that Springbank residents opposed to the project need to have compassion for those living in Calgary who either died or lost property in the floods.
“Remember that you work in Calgary, you use Calgary services, that you come to downtown Calgary,” said Nenshi.
“Ultimately we have to protect the city of Calgary, (and) this is the right solution.”
Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said the federal injection of cash support will help Calgary stay protected from further devastation similar to the 2013 floods.
“There was as much as six billion dollars in financial losses and property damage across southern Alberta,” he said.
“Well that horse has bolted. We can’t trust luck and to fate that this won’t happen again. The hits just keep on coming.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.