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The "What?"
Introduction to the Chin Reservoir Controversy
"To expand, or not to expand?"
That is the question currently surrounding irrigation infrastructure in the South Saskatchewan River Basin (SSRB) [4] of Southern Alberta.
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The Government of Alberta, the Canadian Infrastructure Bank, and 10 irrigation districts including the St. Mary River Irrigation District (SMRID) and the Raymond Irrigation District have invested $815 million [5] into various projects to expand irrigation in Alberta.
While money often speaks loudest, decisions on freshwater management sit within a web of competing demands and uncertain outcomes. There are present and future water needs, economic development, water rights, and ecological health all competing for consideration.
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The Chin Reservoir Expansion and Modernization project, which will use $133 million [6] from this funding, has stirred up mixed reviews and serves as a stepping off point to understand the complexity of the irrigation expansion discourse.
Figure: The South Saskatchewan River Basin spans 3 provinces and 4 major cities, including Calgary. [7]
Goals of the Chin Reservoir project: [6] ​​
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Modernize aging infrastructure
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Refurbish ​two dams
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Convert 150 kilometers of canals and ditches into pipelines ​
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Expand storage capacity
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​Increase reservoir from 154,320 to 257,820 acre-feet
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Fulfill water needs of food producers in the region
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Support economic development in the region
Common Ground
In an era of more frequent droughts and shrinking headwater supply, there is shared motivation to use water more efficiently. To support this communal goal, farmers are both adapting their practices on the farm and putting new technologies to use, all in the name of water conservation.
The Crux of the Issue
What makes this a Controversy?
“Everyone recognizes water security is the most important thing other than seed and sunshine. Farmers don’t think quarter to quarter, even year to year. It’s generational.”
- Alex Ostrop, Chair of Alberta Irrigation Districts Association - High River Online [8]
Sustainability guides decision-making in water management, but not everyone believes expanding irrigation is the solution.
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The SSRB is a relatively dry region, where having enough water for crops can’t be guaranteed. That’s where irrigation infrastructure comes in – it provides a consistent water supply for crop production by diverting water from streams to farmland, making it essential for farming in the region. By increasing irrigation capacity, more water can be made available to farmers.
MORE WATER = MORE FOOD AND LIVELIHOOD SECURITY
How does climate change factor into this equation?
Decreasing water availability
Increasing food demand
With less water available, some suggest redirecting irrigation infrastructure funds to projects that reduce water use in food production and ultimately help farmers adapt to using less water overall.
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Those concerned about long-term water availability, ask:​
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Are we encouraging water intensive practices by supporting irrigation expansion?
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Today there is enough, but will there be enough tomorrow?
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With less water available, where will the water come from to fill up the reservoirs?
Discussion & Engagement on Social Media
This controversy isn't just discussed in boardrooms, it also takes place online! Below shows the amount of engagement various components of irrigation expansion attract amongst the public.
Tree of Disagreement
Components being discussed and debated by people involved in the controversy
The Chin Reservoir Expansion Project sits at the intersection of competing visions for Alberta’s water future. While it offers tangible benefits for agricultural stability and economic growth, it also raises difficult questions about sustainability, resilience, and climate adaptation.
Dig into the discussion by exploring the science, arguments, and actors shaping this controversy.
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