WESTERN IRRIGATION DISTRICT APPLIES TO GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE WATER FOR
MUNICIPAL GROWTH

CALGARY, Nov. 8 /CNW/ - Under provisions of Alberta's Water Act, the Western Irrigation District (WID) has applied to Alberta Environment to change a small portion of its water license to assist the municipal growth needs of Wheatland County. This application meets all the requirements of the Water Act and Alberta Environment internal policy.

The application is for very specific allocations of 1,000 acre feet of water for growth in the Cheadle and Lyalta hamlets of Wheatland County and for new developments east and west of Strathmore.   Currently no WID water is provided to the County. All water for this transaction will come from conserved water from agricultural system upgrades.

"The WID is not normally in the business of commercially providing water to urban customers, but the province has recognized that protecting this precious resource while allowing for human needs in southern Alberta is appropriate and desirable," commented WID Chair Dan Shute.   "The specificity of this agreement will ensure water rights are protected, that our ecosystems are not negatively impacted, basic human needs are prioritized and future generations have the opportunity to grow, he added."

"Long term certainty of raw water supplies is necessary before developers can justify capital investment in water treatment infrastructure," said Wheatland Reeve Ben Armstrong. 

"Municipalities expect developers to carry the costs of this allocation through specific municipal levies.  We want to ensure that appropriate and sustainable growth takes place, but that those who use the water are those who bear the costs and responsibilities," continued Reeve Armstrong.

At the same, he said, this application provides a win-win situation for our key agricultural community in that this planned growth ensures sustainability of this important sector.  

Under the Alberta Water Act, residents with questions about the application can contact Alberta Environment at 403-297-6675 or watch for the official public advertisements in local papers.

For further information:

Dan Shute       Chair,         Western Irrigation District    [phone].

Ben Armstrong Reeve, Wheatland County [phone]