Major droughts a concern

By Chantelle de Jonge Chestermere-Strathmore MLA

In the past three years we have witnessed droughts and water shortages in various parts of Alberta. Compounding this challenge, a global phenomenon known as El Niño is ushering in a warm and dry winter across Canada, heightening the potential for continued drought conditions this year.

In response to these pressing circumstances, our United Conservative government is taking proactive measures to ensure agriculture producers can meet their needs and continue contributing to the growth and diversification of our economy.

Alberta’s government recently awarded a contract to WaterSMART Solutions to enhance drought modelling and help us maximize our province’s water supply while mitigating the risk of a severe drought in 2024. Alberta’s government is closely monitoring snowpack, rainfall, river levels, and water use throughout the province to develop early warning capacity and understand how much water will be available this year. Using this data, WaterSMART will help the province conduct advanced modelling and explore ways to make the best use of Alberta’s water.

Vital grants to make the province more naturally drought resilient are being provided by our government this year.  A total of $3.5 million will be provided to fund eight projects in communities across the province through the Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program. These projects will help restore riverbanks and watersheds, stabilize stream banks, and improve natural drainage.

Additionally, our government is meeting with water license holders, major water users, municipalities, farmers, businesses, and other partners to develop water conservation plans and water sharing agreements. We will continue to work to help conserve and manage water now, so that we can be prepared for uncertain conditions in the future.

Our province has navigated many droughts in the past. We have a long, proud history of coming together during tough times and we will get through this like we always do – by working together.

As mentioned last week I will be hosting a series of Coffee Meet & Greets across our constituency in the coming weeks. This Friday, Jan. 26, I will be at Rocky’s Bakery in Strathmore, located on 126 2nd Ave, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. I look forward to seeing you for a coffee and chat!

(Chantelle de Jonge is the MLA Elect for Chestermere-Strathmore and the Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities)