What is happening?

January 4, 2021 — The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) is conducting a federal environmental assessment of the proposed Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir Project, located approximately 15 kilometres west of Calgary, Alberta.

The Agency invites the public and Indigenous groups to comment on the draft Environmental Assessment Report, which includes the Agency's conclusions and recommendations regarding the potential environmental effects of the project and their significance, and the proposed mitigation measures and follow-up programs.

The Agency also invites comments on the draft potential conditions for the project. Final conditions would become legally-binding on the proponent if the project is allowed to proceed.

The Agency recognizes it is more challenging to undertake meaningful public engagement and Indigenous consultation in light of the circumstances arising from COVID-19. The Agency continues to assess the situation, adjust consultation activities and provide flexibility as needed in order to prioritize the health and safety of all Canadians and conduct meaningful engagement with interested groups.

How can I participate?

Comments can be submitted online by visiting the project home page on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry (reference number 80123). All comments received will be published online as part of the project file.

Written comments in either official language will be accepted until February 3, 2021.

To view the draft Environmental Assessment Report or for more information, visit the Agency's website at canada.ca/iaac.

Virtual Information Sessions

The Agency is holding virtual information sessions that will take place on January 21, 2021 and January 27, 2021. The virtual information sessions will include a presentation from Agency representatives on the draft environmental assessment report and potential conditions, followed by a question period. Interested parties are invited to connect through Zoom by clicking on the following links:

• January 21, 2021, 10 a.m., Mountain Standard Time: first virtual session – click here.
• January 21, 2021, 5 p.m., Mountain Standard Time: second virtual session – click here.
• January 27, 2021, 5 p.m., Mountain Standard Time: third virtual session – click here.

For more information on how to attend the virtual information sessions, please contact the Agency at: iaac.springbank.aeic@canada.ca or 780-495-2037.

Will there be more opportunities to participate?

This project has benefited from several public and Indigenous consultation opportunities. This is the final public comment period in the process.

Follow us on Twitter: @IAAC_AEIC #SpringbankReservoir

What is the proposed Project?

Alberta Transportation (the proponent) proposes to construct infrastructure to mitigate flooding on lands in and adjacent to the Elbow River, approximately 15 kilometres west of Calgary, Alberta. As proposed, the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir Project would be located in a floodplain drainage area of the Elbow River and its tributaries, and would divert flood water during extreme flood events from the Elbow River to a temporary reservoir constructed in an adjacent wetland. The flood waters would be stored in the temporary reservoir before being diverted back in to the Elbow River. The purpose of the Project is to prevent and reduce flood damage on infrastructure, water courses, and people in the City of Calgary and downstream communities.

For more information on the Agency's privacy policies, consult the Privacy Notice on its website at canada.ca/iaac.