Alberta Wildlife Federation calls for meaningful engagement on proposed Ardley Reservoir
EDMONTON, Alberta. August 14, 2026 – The Alberta Wildlife Federation (AWF) is calling for meaningful public engagement and a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as the Government of Alberta explores options to increase water storage and water availability in the Red Deer River basin.
The Government of Alberta's Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas is leading the Ardley Reservoir Scoping and Feasibility Study to evaluate whether a new dam and storage reservoir can be designed, constructed and operated in the Red Deer River basin.
According to the ministry, the feasibility study will examine whether a reservoir could provide:
drought resilience;
flood mitigation;
irrigation support; and
municipal and industrial water supply.
The AWF and its members support the responsible use of Alberta's natural resources, including surface water. Projects such as the proposed Ardley Reservoir have the potential to affect water users, fish and wildlife habitat, and the broader environment. Albertans must have access to clear information about the potential positive and negative impacts of the proposed project and meaningful opportunities to participate in its evaluation and decision-making process.
"We believe Albertans need a clear understanding of why this project is being considered, what alternatives have been examined and what the potential environmental impacts could be before decisions are made," said Tyler Riewe, Alberta Wildlife Federation’s habitat chair. "Should the project move forward, a comprehensive EIA will be essential to understanding and addressing potential effects on fish, wildlife, habitat and water resources. The federation intends to participate throughout the engagement process and believes it can provide valuable input on wildlife, fish habitat and water-related issues if the project advances to a formal regulatory process."
The Alberta Wildlife Federation is particularly interested in impacts to:
water quantity and quality;
fish and fish habitat;
riparian habitat;
water security for downstream users;
cumulative effects; and
wildlife.
The AWF encourages the Government of Alberta to clearly communicate the need for the project, the alternatives considered through the feasibility study and the intended role of the reservoir in addressing future water management challenges. Greater clarity around the reservoir's objectives, including its potential role in flood mitigation, irrigation, municipal water supply and other uses, will help AWF members and other Albertans participate meaningfully in the discussion.
Furthermore, the federation expects to see commitments to monitoring and mitigations that further reduce residual impacts that may result from the project. In accordance with the AWF’s Habitat Statement, the federation expects any project proposal to adhere to the guiding principle of promoting a net positive impact on terrestrial and aquatic habitat, while incorporating habitat mitigation principles into the project design.
More information on the proposed project is available from the Government of Alberta here: Ardley Reservoir Scoping Feasibility Study.
For media inquiries:
Maureen Ezeodumegwu, Marketing Communications Manager
Email: communications@albertawildlifefederation.ca
Phone: (780) 437-2342