Acadia Irrigation Society, advocating to bring irrigation infrastructure to MD of Acadia.
The proposed Irrigation Development Project will allow irrigation of up to 11,000 hectares (27,000 acres) of land in the MD of Acadia. Water will be pumped from the Red Deer River to two storage reservoirs, one of which already exists. Lined canals and pipelines will carry water between reservoirs and to farmers’ fields, and some of the system will be gravity fed, eliminating the need for on-farm pumping in some locations.
Raising Awareness
We are advocates for the Irrigation Project. We lobby all levels of Government to bring attention & support to fund the capital costs of the infrastructure.
Educate
We are presenting all aspects of the irrigation project, including both obstacles & opportunities.
Secure Irrigation Project
We are invested in this projects success. We are land owners, stakeholders, and special interest groups that want to promote farm stability in Acadia.
In 2005 the MD of Acadia commissioned a Irrigation Feasibility Study by MPE Engineering Inc. The study was reviewed in 2019 and updated to current market values.
The MD is one of the regions in Alberta most severely impacted by the lack of: precipitation, a secure water supply and economic growth and diversification. A change from dryland to irrigation farming could stabilize farm incomes, provide employment opportunities through the enhancement of new support industries and improve overall social conditions in the area.
Stabilize Community
With more revenue in the community this project will bring stability and security to the area. Maintaining area population and incomes.
Save area schools & hospitals
Community Growth
The Irrigation Project will bring jobs to the MD Acadia. During the building stage and extra support work farms will need to manage irrigators.
Estimated 678 jobs created
Land Value
The added infrastructure will increase land value making Acadia an attractive place to invest money.
Recreation
Development of the reservoirs into water recreation areas will be a popular attraction for the community and visitors.
Approx. 90 ft deep reservoir
but the cultivation and perfection of human beings."
Yield Increase
Irrigated crops will increase crop & forage production.
Higher yields = Higher revenue
Reduce need to work off-farm to supplement income
Mitigating Risk
Getting water to your crops when they need it increases the probability of higher yields. Take the risk of drought out of the equation with irrigation.
Land Value
The added infrastructure will increase land value and increase your crop production.
Preserve the family farm
Opportunity for intergenerational transfer
Crop Diversity
With irrigation, farmers will be able to rotate different pulse and cereal crops that require regular moisture to grow.
High value crop mix
Value Added Processing
Federal & Provincial
Return on investment
Estimated Taxation 3 : 1
Capital Costs: $137, 615,000
Capital Costs Per/Acre: $5,097
Tourism/Parks
The Irrigation Reservoirs can be developed into regional parks, increasing tourism in Alberta.
Municipal
Stronger local tax base
Infrastructure & utility services
Estimated 678 jobs created
Environmental Impact
Irrigation can help soil
quality & health
Securing food supply
Diversity of wildlife, plant life,
and crops
Project Stakeholders
MD of Acadia
Special Areas
Palliser Economic Partnership
Town of Oyen
