Horsefly Spillway project taking shape in the region

MD of Taber

The Horsefly Regional Emergency Spillway Project continues to move forward, reinforcing flood resilience and supporting vital irrigation infrastructure in our region.

As of Feb. 27, construction crews are making significant progress on Phase 2 – Contract 1, including the widening of an irrigation channel operated by the St. Mary River Irrigation District that runs through the Lantic Inc. property.

As a condition of the governmental funding agreement, this portion of the project also includes the construction of a new wetland component, currently underway at the south end of the Taber Lake Reservoir.

Additionally, one twin culvert road crossing and one twin concrete box culvert crossing — to be installed beneath the existing Lantic Sugar rail spur line — will be completed as part of this phase.

This phase of the project is being guided by MPE Engineering and Stantec, with DeGraaf Excavating Ltd. serving as the primary contractor, following their successful contributions to Phases 1 and 3 of the Project. 

Beyond the construction itself, the Horsefly Spillway Project is a testament to the power of regional, provincial, and federal collaboration.

With support from Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, the Government of Alberta, the St. Mary River Irrigation District, and municipal partners of the Southern Regional Stormwater Drainage Committee (SRSDC), this initiative strengthens our community’s defenses against extreme weather while also creating jobs and driving economic growth.

Phase 2 – Contract 1 is on track for completion by April.

SRSDC municipal partners include the Town of Taber, Town of Coaldale, Village of Barnwell, Town of Bow Island, Lethbridge County, County of Forty Mile No. 8, Cypress County, City of Medicine Hat, St. Mary River Irrigation District, and the Municipal District of Taber as the managing partner.