Millions in provincial funding to boost flood and drought protection in Southern Alberta 

Posted on April 23, 2026 by admin

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Alberta is investing more than $28 million to protect local communities and the economy from future floods and droughts, with significant funding directed toward critical infrastructure in southern Alberta.

The province allocated $25 million for 12 regional projects under the Drought and Flood Protection Program, alongside an additional $3.5 million through the Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program. This financial backing will help municipalities expand water supply networks, improve watershed health, and ensure critical infrastructure operates safely during weather emergencies.

“Investing in drought and flood protection keeps communities safe, while allowing them to continue to grow and thrive. This helps ensure safe and reliable access to water, while making Alberta more resilient to extreme weather events,” says Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas.

For southern Alberta, the funding arrives at a crucial time to address persistent overland flooding and water management issues. The investment will directly support local initiatives, including the restoration of two major wetland complexes in the MD of Taber, designed to manage local drainage and runoff. The funds also provide a massive boost to a collaborative regional effort.

Tamara Miyanaga, Reeve of the MD of Taber, says, the Municipal District of Taber “acknowledges the recent funding announcement by Minister Grant Hunter and thanks the Government of Alberta for its continued support of collaborative infrastructure projects.”

She continues, “As managing partner of the Southern Regional Storm Drainage Committee—comprised of the MD of Taber, the Town of Coaldale, the Town of Taber, the Town of Bow Island, the Village of Barnwell, Lethbridge County, the County of Forty Mile, Cypress County, and the St. Mary River Irrigation District—this investment supports a strong regional approach to infrastructure, economic stability, and long-term growth.

“Over the past decade, multiple overland flooding events have highlighted the need for improved flood mitigation and water management. This funding will enhance watershed resilience, strengthen flood protection, and support reliable water resources for municipal use, recreation, and agri-food production across the region. The investment also advances progress toward completing the final construction phase of the Horsefly Regional Emergency Spillway Project, increasing flood attenuation capacity across the regional system.”

The initial funds will be distributed in the 2026-27 period to six municipalities, three First Nations communities, and two regional service commissions. A second round of funding applications will open this October, offering an additional $25 million to help safeguard municipalities and families across the province.