Dear Irrigators,
In 2024, the Board of Directors determined that in order to achieve SMRID’s required revenue targets, the water rate would be adjusted to $33/acre in 2025 and $38/acre in 2026. As SMRID infrastructure ages, the number of required rehabilitation projects across the District has also increased, which has correlated to an increase in operating expenses.
Inflation has had a significant impact on the costs of running our district. While rates have remained relatively stable for Irrigators prior to 2023, they have not kept up with inflation since 1988.
(Fig 1. Shows a $20 million cumulative shortfall between historical rates and inflation, since 1988. In years where expenses exceeded operating revenue, those years were offset by reserves and Irrican cashflow. In the last 5 years, Irrican has supplemented SMRID by over $20.5 million). Click here for additional financial information.
Adjustments to the 2026 Rates and Fees schedule have been implemented to reflect current market value, and to ensure the necessary rehabilitation, maintenance, and pipeline projects are prioritized and completed in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
Final bill payments are due for permanent and annual Irrigation acres on December 31, 2025.
Please be advised that SMRID offices will close on December 24, 2025 at 12 p.m. and will reopen at 8:15 a.m. on January 5, 2026.
We are eager to continue implementing improvements and efficiencies and remain committed to delivering water across the District to support the vital and vibrant agriculture sector in southern Alberta
Sincerely,
Cory Nelson,
Chairman
St. Mary River Irrigation District