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125 Years of Irrigation in Alberta

Irrigation development is inextricably woven into the history of southern Alberta. Over the past 125 years, irrigation development has played a pivotal role in Alberta’s social and economic landscapes. We are Proud to support sustainable Communities, Environment and Agriculture with water.

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Who we are

SMRID delivers water through a complex system of reservoirs, canals and pipelines to water users within our District.
We are proud of the place we have in the history of irrigation and its positive impacts on the lives of citizens and our place in the past, present, and future of the area.

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What's new?

Stay up to date on all the latest updates and announcements

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Logos

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Environment and Community

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Riparian restoration:

In partnership with the South East Alberta Watershed Alliance (SEAWA), this project at Sauder Reservoir (Rattlesnake Lake), located approximately 35 km West of Medicine Hat, has
seen over 200 shrubs planted since 2018.

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Environmental
Stewardship

The SMRID is proud to promote positive environmental stewardship. We strive to engage in practical environmental solutions to ensure sustainability of the district to benefit communities, environment, and agriculture for generations to come. In 2017, SMRID partnered with the Alberta Conservation Association on the Connectivity Project, to better address habitat fragmentation.

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Renewable Energy Generation: Irrican

In October 1988, the provincial government introduced the Small Power Research and Development Program. The program assured a guaranteed price and market for power thus making small power projects in Alberta viable. Thus, the Irrigation Canal Power Cooperative Ltd. (Irrican Power) was formed to develop hydropower projects on the existing irrigation water conveyance infrastructure in southern Alberta. Since 2021, Irrican has also brought 4 solar sites online.

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Recreation

SMRID waters and reservoirs are a backbone of rural recreation in southern Alberta and provide visitors with countless recreation opportunities across the district. Amidst the dry prairie heat, reservoirs offer an oasis for swimming, boating, camping, fishing, and sport.

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In the Field

For Media Inquiries: 

Please direct inquiries to emathieu@smrid.com