Rocky View County is buying more irrigation district water in an effort to accommodate more development around Calgary.
Rocky View County council approved a budget hike in late September that will allow the county to purchase just over three million cubic metres of water annually for the Conrich area northeast of Calgary.
Rockyview will purchase the water allocation from an existing water licence of the Western Irrigation District, something it did several years ago to ensure development could go ahead in East Balzac to accommodate the Cross Iron Mills mega-mall and nearby industrial and commercial development north of Calgary.
Rocky View has purchased water allocations from existing licences because new licences aren't being granted in parts of southern Alberta.
As the largest holders of water licences, irrigation districts are in a position to sell their water allocations on Alberta's regulated market.
"This new agreement was vital to securing the long-term future growth of the Conrich area," said Rocky View reeve Rolly Ashdown. "With the development of water resources in the area, future customers will be able to access safe and drinkable water, opening up new growth opportunities."
The cost of Phase 1 of the Conrich area water supply project is $25.2 million.
With the help of purchased water, Rocky View has positioned itself as a viable development alternative to urban communities such as Calgary, Cochrane and Airdrie.
– Compiled by Dave Husdal
from Western Investor November 2011
