Overview
We gathered feedback from Albertans on the draft land use plan for the Springbank off-stream reservoir to inform future use of the project lands.
The off-stream reservoir is designed as a dry reservoir that will hold water from the Elbow River during a flood emergency to reduce the risk to downstream communities and landscapes. When the area is not being used for flood mitigation and operational activities, the land may be used for other purposes.
The Springbank Off-stream Reservoir Land Use Plan defines the location, context, restricted access areas and closure scenarios for project lands. It also provides policy direction guiding land access and use for First Nations, and the general public.
Input received
Public online survey
Albertans shared feedback on the draft land use plan for the Springbank off-stream reservoir project through an online survey from February 12 to March 17, 2024.
Indigenous engagement
Indigenous communities and organizations shared feedback on the draft land use plan for the Springbank off-stream reservoir project through an online survey from February 12 to April 14, 2024. Additional feedback was shared through one-on-one meetings.
Thank you to all who participated with this engagement.
What we heard
Some key engagement findings included:
- requests for greater clarity and details concerning land access management and permitted land-use activities
- desire for access opportunities to project lands for First Nations and general public
- identification of key environmental values for the project lands
- support for non-motorized recreation activities
- suggestions for additional amenities and infrastructure to support recreational land-use
For a more detailed summary of input received through this engagement, see:
How we got here
Land use committees
The draft land use plan was developed with input from 2 land use committees representing:
- Indigenous communities and organizations
- local municipalities
- stakeholders
- landowners
- community groups
The First Nations Committee emphasized the importance of the land for its natural value and First Nations’ priority access and use of the project lands to exercise of treaty rights and traditional uses.
The Joint Land Use Advisory Committee developed a Springbank Off-stream Reservoir Land Use Plan Recommendations Report that addressed land management, public access and use of the project lands. The report was considered in the development of the draft land use plan.
Outcomes
Your feedback helped us develop the final Springbank Off-stream Reservoir Land Use Plan, which was released to the public in February 2025. The Plan guides ongoing use and management of the project lands for:
- flood mitigation
- First Nations land access and traditional use according to Treaty rights
- general public land access and use
Resources
Contact
Connect with the Springbank Off-stream Reservoir Land Use Planning team:
Email: SR1LandUse@gov.ab.ca