The Western Irrigation District (WID) is holding a formal plebiscite on March 30, 2026, to decide on a proposal to expand its total authorized irrigation acreage. This vote is a required step under the Irrigation Districts Act for the district to apply to the provincial government for permission to increase the number of acres it is allowed to serve across its regional service area.
The expansion is made possible by ongoing plans to modernize infrastructure and improve water-use efficiency on local farms. These updates allow the district to service more agricultural land while using its existing water allocations more effectively.
The Western Irrigation District manages key infrastructure in the region, including the Chestermere reservoir and an extensive network of canals. The district reminds residents that these facilities are private property owned by the organization and are not public land.
Under provincial law, a vote of eligible irrigators must occur before any expansion plans are officially submitted to the Alberta government. Eligible voters are encouraged to cast their ballots at the district office in Strathmore to help shape long-term water management for the region.
