The "When?"
Timeline of the Chin Reservoir Controversy
Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault receives a request for federal review from 9 Alberta environmental groups, supported by the Blood Tribe/Kainai and Siksika First Nation. They raised concerns that the project could cause serious environmental damage and harm Indigenous cultural and ecological resources.
Project announced
Request for federal Impact Assessment by “Interested Parties”
The project’s Proposed Terms of Reference (PToR) are announced by SMRID
Final Terms of Reference issued by Environment and Protected Areas
SMRID Publishes the Environmental Impact Report
SMRID submits its Supplemental Information Request response to NRBC and AEPA for review
Anticipated project completion
Federal government declines to review the project under the federal Impact Assessment Act
Public engagement and commentary period for the PToR ended
Skepticism towards irrigation expansion projects due severe drought conditions
Irrigation districts double down that irrigation expansion will improved irrigation efficiency
While the PToR included steps to consult with local Indigenous nations and assess impacts on aquatic habitat health, it was critiqued for lacking concrete steps to resolve identified impacts.
With more frequent droughts predicted for Southern Alberta, some are concerned that there won’t be enough water for the expanded irrigation infrastructure.
Once the Supplemental Information Request response has been reviewed, public interest review processes will commence.
Discussion & Engagement on Social Media
Relative engagement around irrigation expansion-related themes on Reddit and YouTube:
Chin Reservoir Project Announced
Environmental Impact Report Published
Drought Conditions Worsen
Snapshot of relative engagement around irrigation expansion-related themes on Reddit and YouTube from October 2023 to April 2025:
