The Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors is launching a new program to enhance water infrastructure for industrial and agricultural use.
The Government of Alberta, through the Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors (TEC), is in the process of developing the Integrated Water Program (IWP) intended to improve and expand water infrastructure across the province. This new initiative aligns with Alberta’s overarching strategy to ensure safe drinking water, healthy aquatic ecosystems, and reliable water supplies for sustainable economic growth.
The IWP seeks to address key water infrastructure needs by supporting the development and upgrading of water treatment and distribution systems for residential, industrial, and agricultural sectors. The program aims to streamline funding for water infrastructure projects and ensure alignment with the Government of Alberta’s strategic goals of water security and economic sustainability.
TEC’s existing grant programs currently focus primarily on residential water infrastructure. However, the IWP seeks to consider the needs of industrial and agricultural sectors, facilitating a more comprehensive approach to water management in Alberta.
The program will prioritize new core water and wastewater infrastructure, while exploring ways to support municipalities in expanding their water systems. The program will also assess existing water infrastructure programs to identify funding gaps and eligibility criteria to better serve all stakeholders.
As part of the program development process, TEC officials are engaging with municipal associations and other relevant stakeholders to assess current water infrastructure programs, identify funding and eligibility gaps, and explore effective ways to meet municipal needs. RMA is actively participating in these discussions and looks forward to continued discussions with the ministry to ensure that municipal priorities, particularly those of rural municipalities, are well-represented in the new framework. RMA is hopeful that the program will provide equitable support, particularly in recognizing the critical role agricultural and industrial water and wastewater infrastructure plays in driving rural economic growth.
RMA will keep members informed on any progress and updates as the engagement process moves forward.
Jared Shaigec
Policy Advisor
825.319.2312
jared@rmalberta.com
Wyatt Skovron
General Manager of Policy & Advocacy
780.955.4096
wyatt@rmalberta.com