Government of Alberta

Province announces more money for irrigation upgrades

Province announces more money for irrigation upgrades

Alberta’s government announced Friday a $117.7-million addition to the already $815 million being directed toward capital projects in the irrigation sector. The funding was first announced in 2020 as part of the Investment and Growth Strategy, which aims to kick-start provincial economic recovery. Eight of the province’s 13 irrigation districts are participating. “The program is a 30% Government of Alberta grant,” Richard Phillips, general manager of Bow River Irrigation District and chair of Irrigating Alberta Inc., told the News. “The irrigation districts are paying the remaining 70% of that.”

Environment Canada resuming water monitoring in Mackenzie River Basin, still no consultation with Northern leaders

Environment Canada resuming water monitoring in Mackenzie River Basin, still no consultation with Northern leaders

Dene National Chief Norman Yakeleya said that the issue of water safety, especially flowing from the oil sands, has been a concern for as long as he has been Chief. In a tele-press conference Yakeleya told media that he is “befuddled as to why an essential service, such as monitoring the quality of the water coming from the oil sands production fields, was suspended.” He said that water is essential for drinking, for fish, for the animals, and “for the sake of all people in the Northwest Territories.”