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Learn more about the engagement process for the Bow River Reservoir Options initiative.
Overview
Alberta’s government continues to explore options to build additional flood and drought storage capacity on the Bow River to reduce the impacts of severe weather events on Albertans and the economy.
Following a thorough feasibility study, we have decided to move forward with further exploration of the Relocated Ghost Dam option. This is an expansion of the existing Ghost Reservoir to protect downstream communities on the Bow River and provide water security for the Bow River basin. The Relocated Ghost Dam option will move forward to Phase 3: Engineering and regulatory approval process, beginning in 2025.
Study corridor map
The map below shows the conceptual location of the Relocated Ghost Dam. Details regarding the dam location and reservoir extent is subject to change as additional data and analysis is completed.
Figure 1. Selected locations and extents of reservoir options
Project timeline
The potential selection and implementation of a reservoir option on the Bow River upstream of Calgary is being approached in 4 phases:
- Phase 1: Conceptual assessment (completed in spring 2020)
- Phase 2: Feasibility study (spring 2020 to winter 2024)
- Phase 3: Engineering and regulatory approval process (coming in 2025)
- Phase 4: Procurement, construction and commissioning
The figure below shows the overall project’s potential timeline. The information collected during each phase will help inform Alberta’s decision on whether to proceed to the next phase.
Figure 2. Initiative timeline, updated September 2024
Phase 3: Engineering and regulatory approvals process
Phase 2: Feasibility study
Phase 1: Conceptual Assessment
Additional information
- Frequently asked questions
These questions came from information sessions held throughout Phase 2 of the initiative. We want to share broadly as these questions have been commonly raised throughout the initiative. - Bow River Reservoir Options - Phase 1: Conceptual Assessment – Main Report
Prepared by WSP (formerly Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions), 2020 - Bow River Water Management Project: Advice to Government on water management in the Bow River Basin
Prepared by the Bow River Working Group, 2017 - Option Evaluation Framework Factsheet
- What We Heard Report
Contact
Connect with the Bow River Reservoir Options project team:
Toll free: 310-3773
Email: [email protected]
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