A land use plan for Springbank Reservoir is being developed

The Alberta government is seeking public input on what to do with a reservoir west of Calgary when it's not full.

The Springbank Off-stream Reservoir, a $912.5 million project scheduled to break ground in 2022, covers approximately 3,700 acres and aims to protect Calgary and other areas along the Bow and Elbow rivers from flooding.

In what is being called “one of the largest infrastructure projects” in Alberta's history, the government is now seeking input from the public on what to do with the allocated land when it is not flooded.

As part of this initiative, the government has released a draft land use plan for discussion with local community groups, First Nations and other stakeholders.

“All Albertans can now provide input on this plan and share their thoughts on how they think this land should be used,” officials said in a news release.

According to the draft plan, First Nations groups will have priority access to their treaty rights and traditional uses, while the public will have secondary access to non-motorized recreational activities when the reservoir is dry.

“Springbank Reservoir is critical to protecting Calgary and other communities from future flooding, but there are other uses,” Alberta Environment Minister Rebecca Schultz said in a statement.

“This is a one-of-a-kind dam and we want to hear your thoughts on how these areas should be used when they flood. I look forward to hearing from local communities and all Albertans over the next four weeks.”

Responses will be collected through an online survey until March 17, after which the government will review all the input and develop a definitive plan for the reservoir.

The Springbank Off-stream Reservoir is expected to be completed in 2025.