The Government of Alberta is currently gathering feedback on two upstream reservoir proposals on the Bow River. One of the options, the Glenbow East Dam, has faced significant opposition from organizations like the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation. This option could potentially impact the newly opened Haskayne Legacy Park and half of the 3,000 acres at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. The other option being considered is decommissioning the existing Ghost Dam and relocating it further downstream. A third option near Morley on the Stoney Nakoda First Nation is also being studied, but is not yet ready for public engagement. The effectiveness of the Glenbow East Dam was classified as “very good” in a 2020 assessment, but the environmental impacts on park space are significant.
Jeromy Farkas, former Calgary city councillor and current CEO of the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation, has raised concerns about the Glenbow East Dam proposal. He believes that this option would not effectively protect nearby Cochrane in the event of a flood or drought. Farkas advocates for the Ghost Dam option, as he believes it would have the least impact on people and area wildlife. The Ghost Dam is already an existing reservoir that can hold an equivalent amount of water and allow for less evaporation. The estimated costs for the Glenbow East option are $992 million, followed by the Morley option at $922 million and the Ghost Dam relocation at $917 million.
Public engagement on the upstream reservoir proposals has been ongoing for three years, with various forms of outreach such as virtual live sessions, in-person meetings, and online webinars. Minister Rebecca Schulz has directed department officials to extend the current round of engagement to May 13 to allow for additional feedback. Jean Woeller, president of the Bowness Responsible Flood Mitigation Society, believes that another reservoir on the Bow River is necessary for flood and drought protection. She emphasizes the benefits of having more reservoir capacity upstream of Calgary, including reducing the risk of flooding and providing water for irrigation. A decision from the province is expected next year, but the upstream reservoir may not be operational before 2034 according to provincial timelines.
The Glenbow East Dam proposal has faced opposition due to its potential impact on park space and wildlife. The Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation and other organizations are advocating for alternatives that would have less environmental impact. The cost estimates for the various options are being considered, with the Ghost Dam relocation being the least expensive option. Public engagement has been extensive, with opportunities for input from various stakeholders. The decision on the upstream reservoir is expected next year, but the timeline for implementation may be several years away. The focus is on selecting a proposal that will provide the best protection against flooding and drought for the region.
