Submitted
Blaine Calkins, Member of Parliament for Wetaskiwin, announced last week that the government of Canada is investing in new water projects that will ensure local producers have a sustainable and strong water supply for years to come. This investment of $128,350 for two projects is funded through the Canada-Alberta Water Supply Expansion Program (CAWSEP).
“Local producers need access to a reliable water supply in order to deliver results at the farm gate and beyond, which is why I’m pleased to announce that our government is supporting these projects,” Calkins said. “By investing in these water projects and studies, the government of Canada is taking another step to support our farmers and ensure our local agricultural industry remains vibrant and successful for years to come.”
The projects include:
$53,350 for the County of Wetaskiwin – Hamlet of Gwynne Tank Loading Facility.
The project involves the construction of a Tank Loading Facility located at the school grounds in the Hamlet of Gwynne. This project will reduce the distance required to haul water for areas producers and will provide a high quality water source for various agricultural uses (spraying, livestock, etc).
$75,000 for the County of Wetaskiwin Groundwater Study. This assessment will collect and review all available meteorologic, geologic and hydrogeologic data within the County of Wetaskiwin No 10. The completion of this study will provide the County with the most up to date information available regarding its groundwater resources.
These projects are a part of an announcement made on March 19 by the governments of Canada and Alberta, in which more than $8.8 million will be invested in 63 agricultural water supply projects and studies across Alberta.
Assistance for these projects, both technical and financial, is provided through the CAWSEP, which is the provincial component of the National Water Supply Expansion Program. The objective of the National Water Supply Expansion Program is to provide assistance to the agricultural community across Canada to help reduce the risk of future water shortages, and to meet the everyday growing needs of a vibrant Canadian agricultural sector, through the planning and development of secure, healthy and reliable water resources.