Irrigation and Hydroelectricity

Drought conditions and the lack of water resources for local communities led the Government of Alberta to begin the development of the Old Man River Dam in 1986. The goal was to bring the valuable resource of water to farmers and citizens of Southwestern Alberta.

Completed in 1992, this project now supplies water to 170,000 acres of farmland, provides recreation, and has a small hydroelectric site. Since its completion, the agricultural industry has thrived with a reliable source of irrigation water for its crops and livestock.

Additional benefits include:

• Crop diversification
• Alternate energy sources
• Recreational facilities (camping, day use areas, boat launches, wind surfing, kayaking and canoeing)