The provincial government has almost doubled its contribution to a regional water pipeline, suggesting the cost of the project has increased significantly.
The Town of Okotoks announced in a press release today that the Foothills Okotoks Regional Water Project received a $14.2 million funding boost through the Province’s Water for Life program.
The new money is in addition to nearly $16 million in provincial funding announced in July 2022.
When the original funding was announced, the province’s contribution was said to cover about 45 per cent of project costs. Project costs were estimated at $35.4 million last year.
In the most recent announcement, Devin Dreeshen, minister of transportation and economic corridors, said the additional funding means that 45 per cent of the project’s eligible costs will continue to be covered by the province.
This additional funding means the province's contribution is now $30.1 million, for 45 per cent of project costs, which pushes the project's cost to approximately $66 million.
The pipeline will supply water from the Bow River to water treatment facilities in Okotoks and Foothills County, and will serve Okotoks as a supplemental water source, the Town said.
“Okotoks Town council and administration are incredibly grateful to be receiving this additional funding support from the Province,” Okotoks Mayor Tanya Thorn said.
Highwood MLA RJ Sigurdson said the extra funding will ensure the project is completed as soon as possible.
“With Okotoks and Foothills County continuing to see growth and economic development, it is essential that they have a reliable, quality water supply,” Sigurdson said.
The pipeline is expected to be up and running by August 2025.
Funding for the Water for Life Programs comes through the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership (AMWWP), which provides cost-shared funding to eligible municipalities to help build municipal water supply and treatment facilities.
