A proposed reservoir near the hamlet of Ardley, east of Red Deer, could mean a more reliable water supply and better flood protection for communities like Stettler. Alberta’s government is now asking residents across central Alberta for their feedback on the plan, with a public engagement period open until July 30.
The Ardley Reservoir Scoping and Feasibility Study is looking at whether a new dam and storage reservoir can be built on the Red Deer River, roughly 40 to 60 kilometres east of Red Deer within the County of Stettler boundaries. The project carries an estimated price tag of $2 to $4 billion and would be about four times the size of the existing Gleniffer Reservoir near the Dickson Dam.
The study began in October 2024 with a $4.5 million budget, and technical work is expected to finish this fall. Key benefits being examined include drought resilience, flood mitigation, irrigation support, and more water for towns and industries. A government working group recently found that current infrastructure on the Red Deer River can’t handle both droughts and floods well, especially as the region grows.
Residents can share their views through an online survey, at an in-person session on July 14 in Red Deer South, or by joining a webinar on July 16. The County of Stettler council has already backed the idea, voting unanimously on April 22 to support the dam project. Councillor James Nibourg called it a huge economic development opportunity, with potential spin-off benefits worth billions.
The Red Deer River Municipal Users Group, which speaks for about three dozen municipalities and 350,000 residents, has long pushed for more water storage and supports the Ardley proposal. Interested residents can find engagement details and the survey on the province’s public engagement page.
