St. Albert is receiving $2.8 million in grant funding from the province to protect Carrot Creek from erosion and reduce its flood risks.
The money comes to the city through the Government of Alberta's drought and flood protection program, which is investing more than $19 million in 10 different projects across Alberta.
Mayor Cathy Heron said St. Albert's share will help fund the Carrot Creek Erosion Protection Project, which aims to enhance long-term bank stability in the creek, reduce sediment erosion, improve stormwater conveyance, and preserve riparian areas.
"On behalf of my colleagues at the city of St. Albert council I really wanted to extend my sincere appreciation to the Government of Alberta for funding of the Carrot Creek Erosion Protection Project," Heron said at a news conference on March 27.
"The project's primary objective will be to help protect the creek against erosion, scouring, and to make it more resilient to flood risk from existing runoff and peak flows."
Heron said current infrastructure adjacent to the creek like road crossings and rail crossings will benefit from the protection measures, and the funding will be key to providing environmental protection in St. Albert well into the future.
"One of our council's key priorities is focused on the environment, in particular protecting our waterways and green space, not just now, but also for our future generations," she said.
The province also announced grants for community upgrades in other municipalities including St. Paul, Medicine Hat, Slave Lake, and Siksika Nation.
"Albertans have seen first-hand the impacts that floods and drought can have on our communities and livelihoods. This funding is helping communities build the next generation of drought and flood mitigation projects," Environment and Protected Areas Minister Rebecca Schulz said.
The funding will be going to eight municipalities and two First Nations to build projects designed to keep homes and businesses dry, ensure critical infrastructure remains operation during emergencies and maintain access to water.
"This is all part of the $125 million that we are investing through the drought and flood protection program over five years," Schulz said. Over $50 million so far has been invested into 28 projects through the program.
Climate change, extreme weather adds pressure on municipalities
With the increased frequency of extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and wildfires, Heron said it is putting added pressure on municipal budgets.
"There is a requirement for municipalities to have reserves to cover off some of the expenses — insurance related — after an event like that," Heron said. "There is a requirement for every municipality is doing their part to apply for these kinds of grants and do these kind of projects to offset that. And that comes with escalated costs for sure. But then there is the cost to try and prevent. And there is the cost to recover at the same time."
In 2023, the Insurance Bureau of Canada reported that Alberta saw $300 million in insured losses from summer storms. In 2024, Alberta experienced four of the years most impactful weather events, including the Jasper wildfires and a hailstorm in Calgary that caused $2.8 billion in insured losses.
More funding to come
Funding for the 10 projects approved in this round will be paid out in 2025-26. Heron said the $2.8 million provided by the province is only part of the funding, and additional municipal funds will still be required to complete the Carrot Creek Project. The grant from the province helps get the ball rolling.
"That was an unfunded project until this grant," she said.
The province will be opening another round of funding applications in October, with another $25 million being made available for municipalities.
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